The bill aims to establish a comprehensive database managed by the Florida Commission on Offender Review to assist individuals disqualified from voting due to felony convictions (excluding murder or felony sexual offenses) in determining their eligibility for restored voting rights. The database will include personal identifying information, details about the individual's supervision status, restitution owed, fines or fees, and any other relevant information necessary for assessing voting rights restoration. Various governmental entities, including the Department of State and the Department of Corrections, are required to provide necessary information to the commission monthly. Additionally, the Department of Management Services will offer technical assistance for the database's development and maintenance.
By July 1, 2028, the commission must make the database publicly accessible online and provide clear instructions for individuals seeking to restore their voting rights. Furthermore, by July 1, 2026, the commission is tasked with submitting a comprehensive plan to the Governor and legislative leaders detailing the methods for collecting and securing information, necessary infrastructure, staffing needs, anticipated costs, and any required legal authority. Importantly, individuals who register or vote based on the database's information will be protected from criminal charges related to fraudulent voting, affirming their right to participate in elections if they reasonably rely on the database's accuracy. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.