House Bill 1191 establishes a comprehensive framework for conducting elections during emergencies in Florida, emphasizing the importance of maintaining election integrity and accessibility. The bill introduces Section 101.7311, which requires adherence to the Elections Emergency Act during emergencies, and revises the definition of "emergency" in Section 101.732 to encompass situations that may hinder voters' ability to safely cast their ballots. Additionally, Section 101.7325 empowers county supervisors to seek approval from the Secretary of State for actions such as changing polling locations or appointing inspectors from outside the county during emergencies.

The legislation also enhances communication and planning for elections affected by emergencies. It mandates that election supervisors develop a local election emergency contingency plan, which must be submitted for approval every odd-numbered year, and includes provisions for notifying necessary parties about election changes. The bill requires election emergency training for newly elected supervisors and critical staff, and it establishes a strategic elections equipment reserve. Furthermore, it amends existing law to ensure proper notification for temporary polling place changes and tasks the Secretary of State with developing best practices for emergency elections. Overall, HB 1191 aims to bolster Florida's election system resilience and preparedness in the face of unforeseen emergencies.

Statutes affected:
H 1191 Filed: 101.732, 101.733, 101.74