The bill amends Chapter 17-9.1 of the General Laws regarding the registration of voters by introducing a new section that mandates automatic voter registration for individuals applying for hunting or fishing licenses in Rhode Island. Under this new provision, every person applying for a hunting or fishing license or a renewal of either license who is or may be qualified to vote by the next general election shall be registered to vote or given the opportunity to update their voting address at the same time they apply for their licenses.

The Department of Environmental Management is responsible for providing assistance with the voter registration process and ensuring that the necessary forms are available. The application to register to vote will be offered simultaneously with the application for a hunting or fishing license or a license renewal. Applicants will have the opportunity to decline to register to vote, and if previously registered, they can change their address for voting purposes.

The bill includes measures to protect the privacy of applicants who choose not to register to vote, stating that the failure to qualify for a hunting or fishing license may not be used for any purposes other than to determine the person's voter registration status.

Any person who fully and correctly completes a voter registration application while purchasing a hunting or fishing license will be presumed registered as of the date of acceptance of the registration by the Department of Environmental Management, pending verification by the local board. The completed voter registration application must be transmitted to the central voter registration system within one business day of acceptance, using electronic means as prescribed by the Secretary of State.

Additionally, the bill allows other state agencies that collect documents providing proof of eligibility, including age, citizenship, and residence address, to follow similar automatic voter registration procedures. The provisions of this section will take effect 90 days after the Director of the Department of Environmental Management certifies in writing to the General Assembly that the department's computer system is capable of meeting the requirements set forth in this chapter.