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 the ballot summary, full text of proposed amendments, and a financial impact statement before submitting an initiative petition to the Attorney General. The bill mandates that initiative sponsors register as political committees and imposes new requirements for petition circulators, such as mandatory training and registration. It also introduces penalties for violations, including compensating circulators based on the number of signatures collected and prohibits certain individuals from collecting signatures. Additionally, the bill establishes stricter regulations on the collection and verification of petition signatures, addressing issues of fraud and misconduct reported in recent elections.

Furthermore, the bill enhances accountability by requiring sponsors to ensure timely delivery of petition forms to election supervisors and introduces fines for delays. It mandates that voters whose signatures are included on petitions receive notice of verification and provides a mechanism to contest any misrepresentation. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference is also subject to new oversight, with requirements for public meetings and detailed financial impact statements. The bill expands the definition of "racketeering activity" to include violations related to petition activities and establishes a processing hold on the verification of signed petition forms for a specified period. Overall, CS/HB 1205 aims to create a more structured and accountable framework for the initiative petition process in Florida, ensuring that voters are informed and that the process is free from fraud.

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