This bill seeks to amend various sections of the Florida Statutes to improve the integrity and transparency of the initiative petition process for constitutional amendments. Key provisions include the requirement for the Secretary of State to receive both the ballot summary and the full text of proposed amendments, along with a financial impact statement, prior to submitting an initiative petition to the Attorney General. The bill also mandates that sponsors of initiative petitions register as political committees and imposes stricter regulations on petition circulators, including mandatory training and registration. Additionally, it introduces civil and criminal penalties for violations related to signature collection and submission, and establishes that signatures will expire if sponsors fail to obtain necessary letters periodically.

Further amendments redefine the role of petition circulators, who must now be registered and limited in the number of signed petition forms they can possess unless they are immediate family members. The bill also requires petition forms to display specific information, such as the petition number and financial impact statement, and ensures that individuals collecting signatures have not been convicted of a felony without having their voting rights restored. Moreover, it outlines penalties for late submission of petition forms and mandates that election supervisors post costs associated with signature verification. Overall, the bill aims to deter fraudulent activities and enhance the integrity of the initiative petition process in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 7016 Filed: 97.021, 100.371, 101.161, 102.111, 102.121, 104.185, 104.186, 104.187, 106.19, 212.055, 895.02
S 7016 c1: 97.021, 100.371, 101.161, 102.111, 102.121, 104.185, 104.186, 104.187, 106.19, 212.055