The bill CS/HB 1205 proposes comprehensive amendments to the Florida State Constitution and related statutes aimed at enhancing the integrity and transparency of the initiative petition process. Key provisions include requiring the Secretary of State to receive both the ballot summary and full text of proposed amendments, along with a financial impact statement, prior to submitting an initiative petition to the Attorney General. The bill also revises the criteria for the Attorney General's advisory opinions, mandates that sponsors register as political committees, and imposes new requirements for petition circulators, such as mandatory training and registration. Additionally, it establishes penalties for violations, including compensating circulators based on the number of signatures collected and submitting fraudulent petition forms.

Furthermore, the bill introduces stricter regulations on the collection and verification of petition signatures, invalidating signatures collected by unregistered circulators and requiring supervisors of elections to maintain detailed records. It also addresses fraud and misconduct in the petition process, including the unauthorized use of personal identifying information. Significant amendments include changes to the definition of "petition circulator," which now excludes individuals collecting a limited number of signed forms for personal use, and mandates that sponsors obtain a letter from the Division of Elections every third election cycle to maintain the validity of their signatures. Overall, the bill aims to create a more regulated and transparent process for constitutional amendments proposed through citizen initiatives, ensuring accountability and protecting the electoral system's integrity.

Statutes affected:
H 1205 Filed: 100.371, 99.097, 101.161, 104.187, 212.055
H 1205 c1: 15.21, 100.371, 102.121, 104.185, 104.186, 104.187, 212.055
H 1205 e1: 15.21, 97.021, 100.371, 102.121, 104.185, 104.186, 104.187, 212.055
H 1205 e2: 97.021, 100.371, 101.161, 102.111, 102.121, 104.185, 104.186, 104.187, 106.19, 212.055
H 1205 er: 97.021, 100.371, 101.161, 102.111, 102.121, 104.185, 104.186, 104.187, 106.19, 212.055