SB 1597 amends Section 42.0051 of the Texas Election Code to allow commissioners courts in counties with fewer than 1.2 million residents, or with 250,000 residents if county election precincts have between 500 and 750 registered voters, to combine election precincts to reduce election costs. This provision is intended to address precincts with low registered voter counts, enabling efficient use of election resources. The bill prohibits combining precincts if it would dilute voting strength or discourage participation among groups protected by the Voting Rights Act.