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 cities and towns. 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. The mayor, in cities and towns that elect a mayor, or the president of the town council, in cities and 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 notice of a vacancy. If the mayor or council president fails to submit a nomination, they must continue to nominate individuals from the lists until a person is appointed.

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 of party voters, from which the mayor or council president shall nominate a replacement.

The bill clarifies the term expiration dates for members and alternates of the canvassing authority, establishing 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 must correct them immediately. Alternates' terms also expire on the first Monday of March in odd-numbered years.

Additionally, 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 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.