Actions for violations of elections laws

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill provides that in an action relating to a violation of state election laws, venue is proper in any county within the area covered by any office on the ballot for the election that is affected by the conduct alleged to be in violation of the state election laws. Under current law, for violations of state election laws, a defendant who is a resident of this state is generally tried in the circuit court for the county where the defendant resides, except that a defendant who is a resident of the state may move the court to change the place of trial to the county where the offense was committed.

Under current law, a voter who believes that an election official has acted contrary to law with regard to the administration of elections may file a written sworn complaint with the Elections Commission requesting that the official be required to conform his or her conduct to the law. No individual who is authorized to file a complaint, other than a district attorney or the attorney general, may commence an action or proceeding to test the validity of any decision, action, or failure to act on the part of any election official without first filing a complaint. Under this bill, any person may commence an action or proceeding to test the validity of any decision, action, or failure to act on the part of any election official without first filing a complaint.

Who's behind it

7 representatives are its authors⁠. All 7 are Republicans.

4 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories