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SB 892 — Florida State University Election Law Center
by Senator Simon
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Postsecondary Committee (HE)
The bill creates the Florida State University (FSU) Election Law Center within the FSU College of Law to serve as a nonpartisan, evidence-based academic center focused on election law. The center is authorized to conduct research, hold events, offer training and technical assistance, and support students pursuing careers in election law.
The bill defines “election law” broadly to include historical, empirical, and comparative aspects of voting rights, election administration, redistricting, campaign finance, election audits, election contests, and legal doctrines relevant to election-related litigation, among other topics.
The center’s goals include conducting rigorous, objective, and nonpartisan research; providing public education and training; supporting student education and experience in election law; and serving as a resource for election officials and the Legislature. The center is also directed to develop best practices and propose evidence-based reforms to strengthen Florida’s electoral system and public confidence in elections.
To fulfill its mission, the center may:
- Hire faculty and staff and develop election law courses.
- Host events such as workshops, lectures, and conferences.
- Conduct and publish election law research and develop public resources.
- Provide continuing education to attorneys, judges, election officials, and others.
- Assist government entities with election law inquiries.
- Offer scholarships, fellowships, and research assistantships to students.
- Partner with other entities to support its goals.
The Department of State, supervisors of elections, and related entities may share relevant data with the center, subject to confidentiality and security safeguards.
The bill requires the dean of the FSU College of Law to appoint a tenured faculty director, who must hire an executive director. The directors oversee the center’s programs, budget, staffing, and operations. The center’s work is protected by academic freedom and must promote intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity.
The center will be funded through legislative appropriations, charitable donations, and university funds.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 112-0