House Bill 1419 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 database for tracking individuals disqualified from voting due to felony convictions, while also facilitating voter registration through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Key amendments include the repeal of the Office of Election Crimes and Security, the prohibition of private funds for election expenses, and the introduction of provisions for same-day voter registration. Additionally, the bill establishes General Election Day as a paid holiday and allows provisional ballots to be cast at any precinct within the county.

The legislation also enhances voter protection by prohibiting intimidation and obstruction of voting rights, while creating the Florida Voting Rights Act Commission to oversee compliance with new regulations. It introduces a preclearance requirement for jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations and mandates that local governments provide language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency. The bill streamlines the vote-by-mail process, including provisions for curing ballots and improving communication with voters regarding ballot status. Overall, HB 1419 aims to modernize Florida's electoral framework, enhance voter access, and protect the integrity of the voting process.

Statutes affected:
H 1419 Filed: 20.10, 97.021, 97.022, 97.0291, 97.057, 97.0575, 98.045, 101.572, 101.65, 101.69, 104.155, 104.42