This bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding voter registration and voting in Florida, particularly in relation to unauthorized aliens. It amends existing statutes to revise the oath required for voter registration, adding a requirement for individuals to affirm their U.S. citizenship and acknowledge the potential criminal penalties for providing false information. Specifically, the new language emphasizes that individuals must have carefully reviewed the voter registration instructions and understand the consequences of perjury, including fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

Additionally, the bill introduces criminal penalties for unauthorized aliens who falsely swear or affirm to any voting-related oaths, submit false voter registration information, or willfully vote despite knowing they are not qualified electors. It establishes that such actions, when committed by unauthorized aliens or those who assist them with knowledge of their status, will be classified as felonies of varying degrees, with harsher penalties for those directly involved in aiding unauthorized aliens. The bill also includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

Statutes affected:
S 12A Filed: 97.051, 104.011, 104.15