The bill amends several sections of the General Laws in Chapter 17-8, titled "Local Canvassing Authorities," to enhance the structure and functionality of local canvassing authorities in municipalities. Key changes include the requirement for the legislative body of each city and town to appoint a bipartisan canvassing authority consisting of three qualified electors, with the stipulation that no more than two members belong to the same political party. In cities and towns that elect a mayor, the mayor, or the president of the town council in towns without an elected mayor, must nominate members to the canvassing authority within thirty days of receiving lists of party voters submitted by party chairpersons within thirty days of a vacancy. If the mayor or council president refuses to submit a list, they must nominate any party voter from the political party of the vacancy.

The bill also establishes that in instances where a vacancy occurs and the remaining two members of the canvassing authority belong to different political parties, the respective chairpersons of recognized city or town political party committees may submit lists for nomination.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the term expiration dates for members and alternates of the canvassing authority, ensuring staggered terms that expire on the first Monday of March in odd-numbered years, with provisions for immediate correction by the town or city clerk if term expiration dates are found to be noncompliant.

Furthermore, the bill designates a chief local election official responsible for coordinating election administration and communication with the secretary of state and the state board of elections. This official is tasked with maintaining emergency contact information and is the only agent authorized to request access to the statewide central voter register. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to improve the efficiency and accountability of local election processes.