Why 4/5: Establishes new penalties and intervention powers to ensure the timely and lawful certification of election results, which is critical for election integrity.
Local electoral board members who neglect their duty to certify election results could face removal and a civil penalty of up to $1,000. This bill also empowers the State Board of Elections to step in and certify results if local boards fail to do so, ensuring election outcomes are finalized promptly.
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Rules suspended
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Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
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Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
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Passed by for the day
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (25-Y 15-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB78ER)
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB78)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Elections administration; duties of local electoral boards, certification of election, etc.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 60 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0060)