The bill, H.B. No. 3774, amends various sections of the Election Code to enhance the operation of signature verification committees during elections. Key changes include allowing election clerks to notify voters of defects in their carrier envelopes via telephone or email, and providing options for voters to correct these defects in person or by mail. The bill also establishes a more structured process for appointing signature verification committees, requiring at least 15 registered voters to submit a written request by a specified deadline. Additionally, it mandates that the committee must consist of an odd number of members, with equal representation from both political parties, and outlines the procedures for determining the validity of signatures on ballot applications.

Further amendments include the introduction of an oath for committee members to ensure their commitment to verifying voter signatures objectively and the issuance of identification for members during their service. The bill specifies that the signature verification committee must begin operations no later than the 12th day before election day and prohibits members from serving on both the committee and the early voting ballot board simultaneously. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to elections ordered after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 86.011, Election Code 87.0271, Election Code 87.0222, Election Code 87.027, Election Code 87.128, Election Code 101.105 (Election Code 86, Election Code 87, Election Code 101)