Notification requirements prior to Federal seizure of election materials

(a) 48-Hour Advance Notification to State Officials Not fewer than 48 hours before any Federal seizure of election materials described in section 20702(a) of title 52, the Federal agency or entity seeking to conduct the seizure shall provide written notification to the Secretary of State, or equivalent chief election official, of the affected State. Such notification shall include— (1) the specific categories and description of the materials to be seized; (2) the legal authority and factual basis for the seizure; (3) the anticipated duration of Federal custody; (4) the Federal agency or entity conducting the seizure and the designated Federal contact official; (5) the planned location or locations of storage and examination; and (6) any court order or judicial authorization authorizing the seizure, if applicable. (b) Simultaneous Notification to Congressional Committees At the same time notification is provided to State officials under subsection (a), the Federal agency or entity conducting the seizure shall notify— (1) the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives; (2) the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives; (3) the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate; and (4) the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate. (c) Form and Delivery All notifications required under this section shall be— (1) in writing; (2) transmitted via electronic means and confirmed by certified mail; and (3) transmitted simultaneously to all required recipients. (d) Emergency Exception In the event that exigent circumstances prevent provision of advance notification under subsection (a), the Federal agency or entity shall— (1) provide notification to all required recipients as soon as practicable, but in no case later than 6 hours after the seizure is initiated; and (2) include in such notification a detailed written explanation of the emergency circumstances that necessitated immediate action. (e) Failure To Notify Any Federal official who willfully fails to provide required notifications under this section shall be subject to the penalties described in section 594A(b) of title 18, United States Code.