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. If the mayor or council president fails to submit a nomination, they must nominate any party voter from the lists within thirty days of notice of a vacancy.

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

Additionally, the bill clarifies the term expiration dates for members and alternates of the canvassing authority, ensuring that members serve staggered six-year terms that expire on the first Monday of March in odd-numbered years, with no more than one member's term expiring in any odd-numbered year. If term expiration dates are found to be noncompliant, the town or city clerk is required to correct them immediately.

Furthermore, the bill designates the town or city clerk, or their designee, as the chief local election official responsible for election administration, with the authority to coordinate access to the statewide central voter register. This official must also maintain emergency contact information for key personnel involved in the election process. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to improve the efficiency and accountability of local election processes.