This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning the petition process for candidates and initiatives, introducing significant changes aimed at enhancing transparency and compliance. Key revisions include the establishment of a uniform petition form by the Division of Elections, which must contain specific information and a notice regarding public record status and penalties for multiple signatures on the same petition. The bill also mandates that supervisors of elections verify signatures only if the designated petition form is used and retain signed petition forms rather than signature forms. Additionally, it introduces new definitions for "circulated petition form" and "requested petition form," outlining the processes for voters to submit and request these forms, while establishing penalties for violations related to petition forms.

Moreover, the bill modifies the procedure for placing constitutional amendments on the ballot, requiring initiative petitions to be filed by February 1 of the election year and sponsors to register as political committees before circulating petitions. It replaces the term "Financial Impact Estimating Conference" with "panel" and mandates that this panel, appointed by the Governor, analyze the financial impact of proposed amendments within a specified timeframe. The bill also strengthens regulations against foreign influence in elections by prohibiting contributions from foreign nationals and imposing penalties for violations. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the integrity of the initiative petition process and ensure voters are well-informed about the implications of the initiatives they support.

Statutes affected:
S 18A Filed: 15.21, 16.061, 97.021, 99.092, 99.095, 99.097, 100.371, 101.161, 104.045, 104.186, 106.08, 106.19, 212.055