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 a new definition for "other election system," which includes any technology that can modify or store critical election data. The Department of State is tasked with establishing security rules, including minimum standards for county canvassing boards. Key provisions include the requirement for detailed chain of custody forms for ballots, daily reviews of election reports by canvassing boards, and the establishment of secure ballot intake stations monitored by election officials. Additionally, the bill allows political action committees to designate poll watchers and mandates that ballots returned by mail be tracked for auditing purposes.

Furthermore, the bill outlines new regulations for vote-by-mail ballots, including the introduction of a "voter certificate envelope" and the requirement for voters to include identification. It emphasizes the importance of signature verification and establishes protocols for handling challenges to ballots. The legislation also enhances the training and responsibilities of election workers, ensuring that election boards are diverse and that all members are trained in election procedures. New penalties for election-related offenses are introduced, and the bill mandates that county canvassing boards review specific reports before certifying elections. Overall, these amendments aim to improve the integrity, transparency, and accessibility of the electoral process in Florida, with changes set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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