Relating to the enforcement of laws relating to elections.

HB 703 strengthens the secretary of state's authority to enforce election laws by amending Section 31.005 and adding new provisions to Chapter 34 of the Election Code. It creates "state election marshals" who must be licensed peace officers with election law training, appointed by the secretary of state to investigate alleged election code violations in each Department of Public Safety region. These marshals will report to the secretary of state and have powers similar to state inspectors. The bill directly affects election administrators and officials who manage electoral processes, requiring them to correct violations that impede voting rights, delay elections without authority, or breach election code provisions.