The bill establishes new provisions for conducting elections during emergencies in Florida, creating a framework to ensure the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process. It introduces Section 101.7311, which mandates adherence to the Elections Emergency Act during emergencies, emphasizing safe and orderly elections while maximizing voter participation. The definition of "emergency" in Section 101.732 is revised to encompass circumstances that may hinder voters' ability to cast their ballots safely. Additionally, Section 101.7325 allows county supervisors to seek approval from the Secretary of State for specific actions during emergencies, such as changing polling locations or appointing inspectors from outside the county.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to streamline the election rescheduling process and requires the Division of Elections to adopt a statewide emergency contingency plan under Section 101.735. This plan must include procedures for notifying relevant parties about changes to elections due to emergencies and ensuring safe conduct of elections. It also mandates that election supervisors develop local contingency plans in consultation with emergency management officials, with a focus on communication through social media and other platforms. The bill emphasizes the assessment of polling place safety and accessibility, the establishment of a strategic elections equipment reserve, and the training of election officials on emergency preparedness, ultimately aiming to enhance the resilience and responsiveness of Florida's electoral process during emergencies.

Statutes affected:
S 1416 Filed: 101.732, 101.733, 101.74