The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance election security and oversight, particularly focusing on absentee ballot processing and the management of election materials. It introduces the definition of "other election system," which includes any technology used in elections that can modify ballots or store critical data. The Department of State is tasked with creating rules to ensure the security of voting procedures, including minimum security standards for county canvassing boards. Key provisions include detailed chain of custody protocols for absentee ballots, the establishment of a hotline for reporting issues, and the requirement for political action committees to have poll watchers in polling areas. The bill also mandates that certain election materials be retained for specified periods and outlines procedures for manual recounts and audits.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes transparency and accountability in the electoral process by introducing strict guidelines for the physical security of election materials, including electronic badge access and video surveillance. It requires that ballots be transported by individuals from different political parties and establishes a post-certification audit process to ensure the integrity of election results. The bill also revises procedures for vote-by-mail ballots, including signature verification and the introduction of a "voter certificate envelope." It allows voters to cure signature mismatches and mandates that election officials maintain detailed records and conduct audits. Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen the integrity and accessibility of the voting process in Florida, with a focus on enhancing security measures and ensuring compliance with established protocols.

Statutes affected:
S 396 Filed: 101.21, 101.545, 101.5614, 101.6103, 101.6104, 101.65, 101.655, 101.69, 101.6923, 102.014, 104.21, 104.30