House Bill 1409 proposes comprehensive reforms to Florida's election laws, including the election of the Secretary of State and the establishment of the Florida Voting Rights Act. The bill mandates the Florida Commission on Offender Review to create a publicly accessible database for tracking voting eligibility for individuals disqualified due to felony convictions, excluding those convicted of murder or felony sexual offenses. It also introduces provisions to protect individuals from being charged with crimes related to voter registration and establishes a Florida Voting Rights Act Commission to oversee compliance with new voting rights regulations. The bill aims to enhance voter access, streamline the voter registration process, and ensure equitable representation for protected classes.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing procedures for vote-by-mail ballots and in-person voting, including the establishment of secure ballot intake stations and the ability for voters to confirm the receipt of their mail ballots. It allows for same-day voter registration and mandates that applications for driver licenses include a voter registration component. The bill also emphasizes the importance of transparency in election practices and prohibits voter suppression tactics, ensuring that local governments cannot implement policies that disproportionately affect protected classes. Overall, HB 1409 seeks to improve the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process in Florida while reinforcing the commitment to uphold voting rights for all citizens.

Statutes affected:
H 1409 Filed: 20.10, 97.021, 97.022, 97.0291, 97.057, 97.0575, 98.045, 101.65, 101.69, 104.42