The bill amends several sections of the General Laws in Chapter 17-8, titled "Local Canvassing Authorities," to enhance the appointment process and operational structure of local canvassing authorities. It requires the legislative body of each city and town to appoint a bipartisan canvassing authority consisting of three qualified electors, with provisions for alternate members. In cities and towns that elect a mayor, the mayor is required to nominate members from lists submitted by party chairpersons within thirty days of receiving notice of a vacancy. In cities and towns without an elected mayor, the council president will fulfill this role. If a vacancy occurs and the remaining members belong to different political parties, the respective party chairpersons can submit lists for nominations, and the mayor or council president shall nominate any party voter from those lists.

The bill clarifies that the terms of authority members and alternates will expire on a staggered basis on the first Monday of March in odd-numbered years. If the term expiration dates on record for any canvassing authority members are found to be in noncompliance with the provisions of this act, the town or city clerk is required to provide written notice of the correction to the canvassing authority and any affected member and amend the official records accordingly.

Additionally, the bill establishes the role of a chief local election official, who will serve as the primary administrative contact and liaison between the canvassing authority and the state election board. This official is responsible for maintaining emergency contact information and is the only individual authorized to request access to the statewide central voter register. The act also mandates that the chief local election official designate an alternate local election official. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.