The bill amends Chapter 17-14 of the General Laws, which concerns the nomination of party and independent candidates. It introduces changes to the nomination paper process, including allowing party-endorsed candidates to combine their nomination papers and permitting candidates to duplicate nomination papers at their own expense, as long as they are identical to the original as prescribed by law. The bill also revises the affidavit process for collecting voter signatures, requiring additional information from the affiant and the notary public. Furthermore, it establishes procedures for submitting, checking, and certifying nomination papers, including deadlines and the process for addressing challenges to the validity of signatures. It mandates that the local canvassing clerk immediately notify the state board of any suspected pattern of forgery, with the state board responsible for reviewing such allegations.

The bill also requires the Elections Committee of the Rhode Island Town and City Clerk's Association to create rules and regulations for the review process of nomination papers in cases of suspected forgery. The state board must communicate its findings regarding the impact of forgeries on a candidate's qualification for the ballot to the secretary of state. Additionally, the bill authorizes the state board to conduct hearings on objections to nomination papers, with the power to summon witnesses and require document production. It sets forth similar procedures for local boards to handle objections to non-state and federal candidates' nomination papers. The bill is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025.