This bill seeks to amend various sections of the Florida Statutes to strengthen the integrity of the initiative petition process for constitutional amendments. Key provisions include the requirement for the Secretary of State to receive the ballot summary, full text of the proposed amendment, and a financial impact statement before submitting an initiative petition to the Attorney General. It also revises the criteria for the Attorney General's advisory opinions, mandates that sponsors obtain a specific letter periodically, and establishes penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill introduces stricter regulations for petition circulators, including registration requirements, training, and limitations on compensation based on the number of signatures collected, while addressing fraudulent activities associated with petition gathering.

Moreover, the bill modifies the verification and validation process for signatures on petitions, requiring voters to report any misrepresentation or forgery of their signatures, which could lead to the invalidation of the petition form. It mandates that financial impact statements be included on both the petition form and the ballot, ensuring voters have access to detailed information about the potential fiscal impacts of proposed amendments. The legislation also establishes penalties for improper handling of voter information and outlines the responsibilities of election supervisors in maintaining transparency regarding signature verification costs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the initiative petition process while deterring fraudulent activities.

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