The bill amends Section 17-1-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-1, titled "General Provisions," to establish stricter regulations regarding voter eligibility and citizenship verification. Key insertions include a new provision that makes it unlawful for non-citizens to vote in any public elections, including primary and general elections, as well as elections for federal, state, and local offices. Additionally, the bill mandates that only U.S. citizens may be registered to vote in the state, and it requires the state board of elections to verify the citizenship status of all individuals on the voter registration list using available databases, including those from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any registrant whose citizenship status cannot be confirmed will be removed from the eligible voter list, with written notification provided to the individual. They will have the opportunity to present evidence of citizenship to be reinstated. The bill also includes provisions for confirming citizenship status before accepting voter registration applications and establishes penalties for fraudulent voting. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5137: 17-1-3