HB 1589

1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to elections; amending s. 97.012, F.S.;
3	authorizing the Secretary of State to issue binding
4	directives to supervisors of elections and county
5	canvassing boards under certain circumstances; providing a
6	penalty for failure to follow such directives; authorizing
7	the secretary to file certain complaints; authorizing the
8	secretary to delegate voter registration and records
9	maintenance duties to voter registration officials;
10	amending s. 97.021, F.S.; revising and providing
11	definitions; amending s. 97.026, F.S.; correcting a cross
12	reference; amending s. 97.051, F.S.; revising the oath
13	taken by a person registering to vote; amending s. 97.052,
14	F.S.; requiring the uniform statewide voter registration
15	application be accepted for replacement of a voter
16	information card and signature update; revising the
17	information the uniform statewide voter registration
18	application must contain and must elicit from the
19	applicant; amending s. 97.053, F.S.; revising the criteria
20	for completeness of a voter registration application;
21	specifying the possible valid recipients of a mailed voter
22	registration application; revising the information needed
23	on a voter registration application to establish an
24	applicant's eligibility; providing for verification of
25	authenticity of certain voter registration application
26	information; providing for a provisional ballot to be
27	provided to an applicant if the application is not
28	verified by a certain date; requiring a voter registration
29	official to enter all voter registration applications into
30	the voter registration system within a certain time
31	period; amending s. 97.0535, F.S.; providing for
32	registering voters who have no valid Florida driver's
33	license, identification card, or social security number;
34	amending s. 97.055, F.S.; specifying the information
35	permitted for purposes of an upcoming election once
36	registration books are closed; amending s. 97.057, F.S.;
37	revising the voter registration procedure by the
38	Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; amending
39	s. 97.058, F.S.; revising duties of voter registration
40	agencies; amending s. 97.061, F.S.; revising special
41	registration procedures for electors requiring assistance;
42	amending s. 97.071, F.S.; redesignating the registration
43	identification card as the voter information card;
44	requiring the Department of State to adopt rules relating
45	to voter information cards; revising the required contents
46	of the card; amending s. 97.073, F.S.; revising the
47	procedure by which an applicant must supply missing
48	information on the voter registration application;
49	revising provisions relating to cancellation of previous
50	registration; amending s. 97.1031, F.S.; revising
51	provisions relating to notice of change of residence,
52	name, or party affiliation; amending s. 97.105, F.S.,
53	relating to establishment of the permanent single
54	registration system, to conform; amending s. 98.015, F.S.;
55	revising the duties of supervisors of elections; creating
56	s. 98.035, F.S.; establishing a statewide voter
57	registration system; requiring the Secretary of State to
58	be responsible for the implementation, operation, and
59	maintenance of the system; prohibiting the department from
60	contracting with any private entity to operate the system;
61	authorizing the department to adopt rules relating to the
62	access, use, and operation of the system; amending s.
63	98.045, F.S.; revising provisions relating to
64	administration of voter registration; providing for the
65	responsibility of such administration to be undertaken by
66	the department in lieu of supervisors of elections;
67	specifying ineligibility criteria; revising provisions
68	relating to removal of registered voters; revising
69	provisions relating to public records access and
70	retention; providing for the establishment of a statewide
71	electronic database of valid street addresses; authorizing
72	the department to adopt rules relating to certain voter
73	registration system forms; amending s. 98.065, F.S.;
74	providing for registration records maintenance; providing
75	for change of address; providing limitations on notice and
76	renewal; requiring supervisors of elections to certify to
77	the department certain list maintenance activities;
78	providing penalties; amending s. 98.075, F.S.; providing
79	for registration records maintenance by the department;
80	providing for duplicate registration; providing for
81	deceased persons; providing for adjudication of mental
82	incapacity; providing for felony conviction; providing for
83	other bases for ineligibility; providing procedures for
84	removal; requiring supervisors of elections to certify to
85	the department certain registration records maintenance
86	activities; creating s. 98.0755, F.S.; providing for
87	appeal of a determination of ineligibility; providing for
88	jurisdiction, burden of proof, and trial costs; amending
89	s. 98.077, F.S.; revising provisions relating to updating
90	a voter's signature; amending s. 98.081, F.S., relating to
91	removal of names from the statewide voter registration
92	system, to conform; amending s. 98.093, F.S.; revising the
93	duty of officials to furnish lists of deceased persons,
94	persons adjudicated mentally incapacitated, and persons
95	convicted of a felony; creating s. 98.0981, F.S.;
96	requiring the department to establish and maintain a
97	statewide voter registration database and provide such
98	database to the Legislature; specifying the required
99	contents of the database; requiring the department to
100	certify certain information to the Legislature; amending
101	s. 98.212, F.S., relating to furnishing of statistical and
102	other information, to conform; amending s. 98.461, F.S;
103	authorizing use of an electronic database as a precinct
104	register and use of an electronic device for voter
105	signatures and witness initials; amending s. 100.371,
106	F.S.; revising the procedure by which constitutional
107	amendments proposed by initiative shall be placed on the
108	ballot; amending s. 101.001, F.S.; providing requirements
109	relating to maps of new precincts; revising procedural
110	requirements of supervisors of elections relating to
111	precincts and precinct maps; amending s. 101.043, F.S.;
112	revising requirements and procedures relating to
113	identification required at polls; amending s. 101.045,
114	F.S., relating to provisions for residence or name change
115	at the polls, to conform; amending s. 101.048, F.S.,
116	relating to provisional ballots, to conform; amending s.
117	101.161, F.S.; correcting a cross reference; amending s.
118	101.5608, F.S.; revising a provision relating to an
119	elector's signature provided with identification prior to
120	voting; amending s. 101.62, F.S.; correcting a cross
121	reference; amending s. 101.663, F.S., relating to change
122	or residence, to conform; amending s. 101.6921, F.S.,
123	relating to delivery of special absentee ballots to
124	certain first-time voters, to conform; amending s.
125	101.6923, F.S., relating to special absentee ballot
126	instructions for certain first-time voters, to conform;
127	amending s. 102.012, F.S., relating to conduct of
128	elections by inspectors and clerks, to conform; amending
129	s. 102.151, F.S.; requiring county canvassing boards to
130	record and transmit certain election information to the
131	department; amending s. 104.013, F.S., relating to
132	unauthorized use, possession, or destruction of voter
133	information cards, to conform; amending s. 104.051, F.S.;
134	providing for the willful failure of a county canvassing
135	board member or supervisor of elections to follow certain
136	binding directives to be subject to certain penalties;
137	allowing only the Secretary of State to file a complaint
138	to the Florida Elections Commission alleging such willful
139	failure; providing for an exemption and review of such
140	penalties; amending s. 120.52, F.S.; revising the
141	definition of "rule" to exempt certain advisory opinions
142	issued by the department and certain directives issued by
143	the Secretary of State; amending s. 196.141, F.S.,
144	relating to homestead exemptions and duties of property
145	appraisers, to conform; repealing s. 98.055, F.S.,
146	relating to registration list maintenance forms; repealing
147	s. 98.095, F.S., relating to county registers open to
148	inspection and copies; repealing s. 98.0977, F.S.,
149	relating to the statewide voter registration database and
150	its operation and maintenance; repealing s. 98.0979, F.S.,
151	relating to inspection of the statewide voter
152	registration; repealing s. 98.101, F.S., relating to
153	specifications for permanent registration binders, files,
154	and forms; repealing s. 98.181, F.S., relating to duty of
155	the supervisor of elections to make up indexes or records;
156	repealing s. 98.231, F.S., relating to duty of the
157	supervisor of elections to furnish the department the
158	number of registered electors; repealing s. 98.451, F.S.,
159	relating to automation in processing registration data;
160	repealing s. 98.481, F.S., relating to challenges to
161	electors; repealing s. 101.635, F.S., relating to
162	distribution of blocks of printed ballots; providing
163	effective dates.
164
165	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
166
167	Section 1.  Subsections (1) and (11) of section 97.012,
168	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
169	97.012  Secretary of State as chief election officer.--The
170	Secretary of State is the chief election officer of the state,
171	and it is his or her responsibility to:
172	(1)  Obtain and maintain uniformity in the application,
173	operation, and interpretation of the election laws. In achieving
174	this objective, the secretary or his or her designee is
175	authorized to issue binding directives to the supervisors of
176	elections and the county canvassing boards when the secretary
177	determines that a lack of uniformity exists in the application,
178	operation, or interpretation of the election laws. A willful
179	failure to follow directives issued by the secretary shall
180	subject the violator to the penalties in s. 104.051(5). The
181	secretary is authorized to file complaints with the Florida
182	Elections Commission alleging a violation of s. 104.051(5).
183	(11)  Create and administer maintain a statewide voter
184	registration system as required by the Help America Vote Act of
185	2002 database. The secretary is authorized to delegate voter
186	registration duties and records maintenance activities to voter
187	registration officials. Any responsibilities delegated by the
188	secretary shall be performed in accordance with state and
189	federal law.
190	Section 2.  Subsection (13) of section 97.021, Florida
191	Statutes, is amended, subsections (38) and (39) are renumbered
192	as subsections (39) and (40), and a new subsection (38) is added
193	to said section, to read:
194	97.021  Definitions.--For the purposes of this code, except
195	where the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term:
196	(13)  "Lists of registered electors" means names and
197	associated information copies of printed lists of registered
198	electors maintained by the department in the statewide voter
199	registration system or generated or derived from the statewide
200	voter registration system. Lists may be produced in printed or
201	electronic format, computer tapes or disks, or any other device
202	used by the supervisor of elections to maintain voter records.
203	(38)  "Voter registration official" means any supervisor of
204	elections or individual authorized by the Secretary of State to
205	accept voter registration applications and execute updates to
206	the statewide voter registration system.
207	Section 3.  Section 97.026, Florida Statutes, is amended to
208	read:
209	97.026  Forms to be available in alternative formats and
210	via the Internet.--It is the intent of the Legislature that all
211	forms required to be used in chapters 97-106 shall be made
212	available upon request, in alternative formats. Such forms shall
213	include absentee ballots as alternative formats for such ballots
214	become available and the Division of Elections is able to
215	certify systems that provide them. Whenever possible, such
216	forms, with the exception of absentee ballots, shall be made
217	available by the Department of State via the Internet. Sections
218	that contain such forms include, but are not limited to, ss.
219	97.051, 97.052, 97.053, 97.057, 97.058, 97.0583, 97.071, 97.073,
220	97.1031, 98.055, 98.075, 99.021, 100.361, 100.371, 101.045,
221	101.171, 101.20, 101.6103, 101.62, 101.64, 101.65, 101.657,
222	105.031, 106.023, and 106.087.
223	Section 4.  Section 97.051, Florida Statutes, is amended to
224	read:
225	97.051  Oath upon registering.--A person registering to
226	vote must subscribe to the following oath: "I do solemnly swear
227	(or affirm) that I will protect and defend the Constitution of
228	the United States and the Constitution of the State of Florida,
229	that I am qualified to register as an elector under the
230	Constitution and laws of the State of Florida, and that all
231	information provided in this application is true I am a citizen
232	of the United States and a legal resident of Florida."
233	Section 5.  Section 97.052, Florida Statutes, is amended to
234	read:
235	97.052  Uniform statewide voter registration application.--
236	(1)  The department shall prescribe a uniform statewide
237	voter registration application for use in this state.
238	(a)  The uniform statewide voter registration application
239	must be accepted for any one or more of the following purposes:
240	1.  Initial registration.
241	2.  Change of address.
242	3.  Change of party affiliation.
243	4.  Change of name.
244	5.  Replacement of a voter information registration
245	identification card.
246	6.  Signature update.
247	(b)  The department is responsible for printing the uniform
248	statewide voter registration application and the voter
249	registration application form prescribed by the Federal Election
250	Assistance Commission pursuant to federal law the National Voter
251	Registration Act of 1993. The applications and forms must be
252	distributed, upon request, to the following:
253	1.  Individuals seeking to register to vote or update a
254	voter registration record.
255	2.  Individuals or groups conducting voter registration
256	programs. A charge of 1 cent per application shall be assessed
257	on requests for 10,000 or more applications.
258	3.  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
259	4.  Voter registration agencies.
260	5.  Armed forces recruitment offices.
261	6.  Qualifying educational institutions.
262	7.  Supervisors, who must make the applications and forms
263	available in the following manner:
264	a.  By distributing the applications and forms in their
265	offices to any individual or group.
266	b.  By distributing the applications and forms at other
267	locations designated by each supervisor.
268	c.  By mailing the applications and forms to applicants
269	upon the request of the applicant.
270	(c)  The uniform statewide voter registration application
271	may be reproduced by any private individual or group, provided
272	the reproduced application is in the same format as the
273	application prescribed under this section.
274	(2)  The uniform statewide voter registration application
275	must be designed to elicit the following information from the
276	applicant:
277	(a)  Last, first, and middle Full name, including any
278	suffix.
279	(b)  Date of birth.
280	(c)  Address of legal residence.
281	(d)  Mailing address, if different.
282	(e)  County of legal residence.
283	(f)  Address of property for which the applicant has been
284	granted a homestead exemption, if any.
285	(f)(g)  Race or ethnicity that best describes the
286	applicant:
287	1.  American Indian or Alaskan Native.
288	2.  Asian or Pacific Islander.
289	3.  Black, not Hispanic.
290	4.  White, not Hispanic.
291	5.  Hispanic.
292	(g)(h)  State or country of birth.
293	(h)(i)  Sex.
294	(i)(j)  Party affiliation.
295	(j)(k)  Whether the applicant needs assistance in voting.
296	(k)(l)  Name and address where last registered.
297	(l)(m)  Last four digits of the applicant's social security
298	number.
299	(m)(n)  Florida driver's license number or the
300	identification number from a Florida identification card issued
301	under s. 322.051.
302	(n)  An indication, if applicable, that the applicant has
303	not been issued a Florida driver's license, a Florida
304	identification card, or a social security number.
305	(o)  Telephone number (optional).
306	(p)  E-mail address (optional).
307	(q)(p)  Signature of applicant under penalty for false
308	swearing pursuant to s. 104.011, by which the person subscribes
309	to the oath required by s. 3, Art. VI of the State Constitution
310	and s. 97.051, and swears or affirms that the information
311	contained in the registration application is true.
312	(r)(q)  Whether the application is being used for initial
313	registration, to update a voter registration record, or to
314	request a replacement voter information registration
315	identification card.
316	(s)(r)  Whether the applicant is a citizen of the United
317	States by asking the question "Are you a citizen of the United
318	States of America?" and providing boxes for the applicant to
319	check to indicate whether the applicant is or is not a citizen
320	of the United States.
321	(t)(s)  Whether That the applicant has not been convicted
322	of a felony, and or, if convicted, has had his or her civil
323	rights restored by including the statement "I affirm I am not a
324	convicted felon or, if I am, my rights relating to voting have
325	been restored." and providing a box for the applicant to check
326	to affirm the statement.
327	(u)(t)  Whether That the applicant has not been adjudicated
328	mentally incapacitated with respect to voting or, if so
329	adjudicated, has had his or her right to vote restored by
330	including the statement "I affirm I have not been adjudicated
331	mentally incapacitated with respect to voting or, if I have, my
332	competency has been restored." and providing a box for the
333	applicant to check to affirm the statement.
334
335	The registration application form must be in plain language and
336	designed so that convicted felons whose civil rights have been
337	restored and persons who have been adjudicated mentally
338	incapacitated and have had their voting rights restored are not
339	required to reveal their prior conviction or adjudication.
340	(3)  The uniform statewide voter registration application
341	must also contain:
342	(a)  The oath required by s. 3, Art. VI of the State
343	Constitution and s. 97.051.
344	(b)  A statement specifying each eligibility requirement
345	under s. 97.041.
346	(c)  The penalties provided in s. 104.011 for false
347	swearing in connection with voter registration.
348	(d)  A statement that, if an applicant declines to register
349	to vote, the fact that the applicant has declined to register
350	will remain confidential and may be used only for voter
351	registration purposes.
352	(e)  A statement that informs the applicant who chooses to
353	register to vote or update a voter registration record that the
354	office at which the applicant submits a voter registration
355	application or updates a voter registration record will remain
356	confidential and may be used only for voter registration
357	purposes.
358	(f)  A statement that informs the applicant that any person
359	who has been granted a homestead exemption in this state, and
360	who registers to vote in any precinct other than the one in
361	which the property for which the homestead exemption has been
362	granted, shall have that information forwarded to the property
363	appraiser where such property is located, which may result in
364	the person's homestead exemption being terminated and the person
365	being subject to assessment of back taxes under s. 193.092,
366	unless the homestead granted the exemption is being maintained
367	as the permanent residence of a legal or natural dependent of
368	the owner and the owner resides elsewhere.
369	(f)(g)  A statement informing an the applicant who has not
370	been issued a Florida driver's license, a Florida identification
371	card, or a social security number that if the application form
372	is submitted by mail and the applicant is registering for the
373	first time in this state, the applicant will be required to
374	provide identification prior to voting the first time.
375	(4)  A supervisor may produce a voter registration
376	application that has the supervisor's direct mailing address if
377	the department has reviewed the application and determined that
378	it is substantially the same as the uniform statewide voter
379	registration application.
380	(5)  The voter registration application form prescribed by
381	the Federal Election Assistance Commission pursuant to federal
382	law the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 or the federal
383	postcard application must be accepted as an application for
384	registration in this state if the completed application or
385	postcard application contains the information required by the
386	constitution and laws of this state.
387	Section 6.  Section 97.053, Florida Statutes, is amended to
388	read:
389	97.053  Acceptance of voter registration applications.--
390	(1)  Voter registration applications, changes in
391	registration, and requests for a replacement voter information
392	registration identification card must be accepted in the office
393	of any supervisor, the division, a driver license office, a
394	voter registration agency, or an armed forces recruitment office
395	when hand delivered by the applicant or a third party during the
396	hours that office is open or when mailed.
397	(2)  A completed voter registration application is complete
398	and that contains the information necessary to establish an
399	applicant's eligibility pursuant to s. 97.041 becomes the
400	official voter registration record of that applicant when all
401	information necessary to establish the applicant's eligibility
402	pursuant to s. 97.041 is received by a voter registration
403	official and verified pursuant to subsection (6) the appropriate
404	supervisor. If the applicant fails to complete his or her voter
405	registration application prior to the date of book closing for
406	an election, then such applicant shall not be eligible to vote
407	in that election.
408	(3)  The registration date for a valid initial voter
409	registration application that has been hand delivered is the
410	date that the application is when received by a driver license
411	office, a voter registration agency, an armed forces recruitment
412	office, the division, or the office of any supervisor in the
413	state.
414	(4)  The registration date for a valid initial voter
415	registration application that has been mailed to a driver
416	license office, a voter registration agency, an armed forces
417	recruitment office, the division, or the office of any
418	supervisor in the state and bears a clear postmark is the date
419	of that the postmark. If an initial voter registration
420	application that has been mailed does not bear a postmark or if
421	the postmark is unclear, the registration date is the date the
422	application registration is received by any voter registration
423	official supervisor or the division, unless it is received
424	within 5 days after the closing of the books for an election,
425	excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, in which case
426	the registration date is the book-closing date.
427	(5)(a)  A voter registration application is complete if it
428	contains all information necessary to establish the applicant's
429	eligibility pursuant to s. 97.041, including:
430	1.  The applicant's name.
431	2.  The applicant's legal residence address.
432	3.  The applicant's date of birth.
433	4.  A mark in the checkbox affirming An indication that the
434	applicant is a citizen of the United States.
435	5.a.  The applicant's current and valid Florida driver's
436	license number or, the identification number from a Florida
437	identification card issued under s. 322.051, or
438	b.  If the applicant has not been issued a current and
439	valid Florida driver's license or a Florida identification card,
440	the last four digits of the applicant's social security number.
441	c.  In case an applicant has not been issued a current and
442	valid Florida driver's license, Florida identification card, or
443	social security number, the applicant shall affirm this fact in
444	the manner prescribed in the uniform statewide voter
445	registration application.
446	6.  A mark in the checkbox affirming An indication that the
447	applicant has not been convicted of a felony or that, if
448	convicted, has had his or her civil rights restored.
449	7.  A mark in the checkbox affirming An indication that the
450	applicant has not been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with
451	respect to voting or that, if so adjudicated, has had his or her
452	right to vote restored.
453	8.  Original signature or a digital signature transmitted
454	by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles of the
455	applicant swearing or affirming under the penalty for false
456	swearing pursuant to s. 104.011 that the information contained
457	in the registration application is true and subscribing to the
458	oath required by s. 3, Art. VI of the State Constitution and s.
459	97.051.
460	(b)  An applicant who fails to designate party affiliation
461	must be registered without party affiliation. The supervisor
462	must notify the voter by mail that the voter has been registered
463	without party affiliation and that the voter may change party
464	affiliation as provided in s. 97.1031.
465	(6)  A voter registration application may be accepted as
466	valid only after the department has verified the authenticity or
467	nonexistence of the driver's license number, the Florida
468	identification card number, or the last four digits of the
469	social security number provided by the applicant. If a completed
470	voter registration application has been received by the book-
471	closing deadline but the driver's license number, the Florida
472	identification card number, or the last four digits of the
473	social security number provided by the applicant cannot be
474	verified prior to the applicant presenting himself or herself to
475	vote, the applicant shall be provided a provisional ballot. The
476	provisional ballot shall only be counted if the application is
477	verified by the end of the canvassing period or if the applicant
478	presents evidence to the supervisor of elections sufficient to
479	verify the authenticity of the driver's license number, Florida
480	identification card number, or last four digits of the social
481	security number provided on the application no later than 5 p.m.
482	of the third day following the election.
483	(7)  All voter registration applications received by a
484	voter registration official shall be entered into the statewide
485	voter registration system within 15 days after receipt.
486	Section 7.  Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section
487	97.0535, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
488	97.0535  Special requirements for certain voters
489	applicants.--
490	(1)  Each voter applicant who registers by mail and who has
491	never previously voted in the state and who the department has
492	verified has not been issued a current and valid Florida
493	driver's license, Florida identification card, or social
494	security number county shall be required to provide a copy of a
495	current and valid identification, as provided in subsection (3),
496	or indicate that he or she is exempt from the requirements prior
497	to voting. Such The applicant may provide the identification or
498	indication may be provided at the time of registering, or at any
499	time prior to voting for the first time in the state county. If
500	the voter registration application clearly provides information
501	from which a voter registration official the supervisor can
502	determine that the voter applicant meets at least one of the
503	exemptions in subsection (4), the voter registration official
504	supervisor shall make the notation on the registration records
505	of the statewide voter registration system and the voter
506	applicant shall not be required to provide the identification
507	required by this section further information that is required of
508	first time voters who register by mail.
509	(2)  The voter registration official supervisor of
510	elections shall, upon accepting the voter registration
511	application submitted pursuant to subsection (1) for an
512	applicant who registered by mail and who has not previously
513	voted in the county, determine if the voter applicant provided
514	the required identification at the time of registering. If the
515	required identification was not provided, the supervisor shall
516	notify the voter applicant that he or she must provide the
517	identification prior to voting the first time in the state
518	county.
519	(3)(a)  The following forms of identification shall be
520	considered current and valid if they contain the name and
521	photograph of the voter applicant and have not expired:
522	1.  Florida driver's license.
523	2.  Florida identification card issued by the Department of
524	Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
525	1.3.  United States passport.
526	2.4.  Employee badge or identification.
527	3.5.  Buyer's club identification.
528	4.6.  Debit or credit card.
529	5.7.  Military identification.
530	6.8.  Student identification.
531	7.9.  Retirement center identification.
532	8.10.  Neighborhood association identification.
533	9.11.  Entertainment identification.
534	10.12.  Public assistance identification.
535	(b)  The following forms of identification shall be
536	considered current and valid if they contain the name and
537	current residence address of the voter applicant:
538	1.  Utility bill.
539	2.  Bank statement.
540	3.  Government check.
541	4.  Paycheck.
542	5.  Other government document (excluding voter
543	identification card).
544	Section 8.  Subsection (1) of section 97.055, Florida
545	Statutes, is amended to read:
546	97.055  Registration books; when closed for an election.--
547	(1)  The registration books must be closed on the 29th day
548	before each election and must remain closed until after that
549	election. If an election is called and there are fewer than 29
550	days before that election, the registration books must be closed
551	immediately. When the registration books are closed for an
552	election, only updates to a voter's name, address, and signature
553	pursuant to ss. 98.077 and 101.045 will be permitted for
554	purposes of the upcoming election. Voter registration
555	applications and party changes must be accepted but only for the
556	purpose of subsequent elections. However, party changes received
557	between the book-closing date of the first primary election and
558	the date of the second primary election are not effective until
559	after the second primary election.
560	Section 9.  Section 97.057, Florida Statutes, is amended to
561	read:
562	97.057  Voter registration by the Department of Highway
563	Safety and Motor Vehicles.--
564	(1)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
565	shall provide the opportunity to register to vote or to update a
566	voter registration record to each individual who comes to an
567	office of that department to:
568	(a)  Apply for or renew a driver's license;
569	(b)  Apply for or renew an identification card pursuant to
570	chapter 322; or
571	(c)  Change an address on an existing driver's license or
572	identification card.
573	(2)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
574	shall:
575	(a)  Notify each individual, orally or in writing, that:
576	1.  Information gathered for the completion of a driver's
577	license or identification card application, renewal, or change
578	of address can be automatically transferred to a voter
579	registration application;
580	2.  If additional information and a signature are provided,
581	the voter registration application will be completed and sent to
582	the proper election authority;
583	3.  Information provided can also be used to update a voter
584	registration record;
585	4.  All declinations will remain confidential and may be
586	used only for voter registration purposes; and
587	5.  The particular driver license office in which the
588	person applies to register to vote or updates a voter
589	registration record will remain confidential and may be used
590	only for voter registration purposes.
591	(b)  Require a driver's license examiner to inquire orally,
592	or, if the applicant is hearing impaired, inquire in writing if
593	the applicant is hearing impaired, and whether the applicant
594	wishes to register to vote or update a voter registration record
595	during the completion of a driver's license or identification
596	card application, renewal, or change of address.
597	1.  If the applicant chooses to register to vote or to
598	update a voter registration record:
599	a.  All applicable information received by the Department
600	of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in the course of filling
601	out the forms necessary under subsection (1) must be transferred
602	to a voter registration application.;
603	b.  The additional necessary information must be obtained
604	by the driver's license examiner and must not duplicate any
605	information already obtained while completing the forms required
606	under subsection (1).; and
607	c.  A voter registration application with all of the
608	applicant's voter registration information must be presented to
609	the applicant to review and verify the voter registration
610	information received and provide an electronic signature
611	affirming the accuracy of the information provided sign.
612	2.  If the applicant declines to register to vote, update
613	the applicant's voter registration record, or change the
614	applicant's address by either orally declining or by failing to
615	sign the voter registration application, the Department of
616	Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles must note such declination on
617	its records and shall forward the declination to the statewide
618	voter registration system keep the declination for 2 years but
619	must forward a copy of the unsigned voter registration
620	application within 5 days after receipt to the appropriate
621	supervisor of elections.
622	(3)  For the purpose of this section, the Department of
623	Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with the approval of the
624	Department of State, shall prescribe:
625	(a)  A voter registration application that is the same in
626	content, format, and size as the uniform statewide voter
627	registration application prescribed under s. 97.052; and
628	(b)  A form that will inform applicants under subsection
629	(1) of the information contained in paragraph (2)(a).
630	(4)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
631	must electronically transmit forward completed voter
632	registration applications within 24 hours after receipt to the
633	statewide voter registration system. Completed paper voter
634	registration applications received by the Department of Highway
635	Safety and Motor Vehicles shall be forwarded to the department
636	within 5 days after receipt to the supervisor of the county
637	where the office that processed or received that application is
638	located.
639	(5)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
640	must send, with each driver's license renewal extension
641	application authorized pursuant to s. 322.18(8), a uniform
642	statewide voter registration application, the voter registration
643	application prescribed under paragraph (3)(a), or a voter
644	registration application developed especially for the purposes
645	of this subsection by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
646	Vehicles, with the approval of the Department of State, which
647	must meet the requirements of s. 97.052.
648	(6)  A person providing voter registration services for a
649	driver license office may not:
650	(a)  Seek to influence an applicant's political preference
651	or party registration;
652	(b)  Display any political preference or party allegiance;
653	(c)  Make any statement to an applicant or take any action
654	the purpose or effect of which is to discourage the applicant
655	from registering to vote; or
656	(d)  Disclose any applicant's voter registration
657	information except as needed for the administration of voter
658	registration.
659	(7)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
660	shall compile lists, by county, of those individuals whose names
661	have been purged from its driver's license database because they
662	have been licensed in another state and shall provide those
663	lists annually to the appropriate supervisors.
664	(7)(8)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
665	shall collect data determined necessary by the Department of
666	State for program evaluation and reporting to the Federal
667	Election Assistance Commission pursuant to federal law the
668	National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
669	(8)(9)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
670	must ensure that all voter registration services provided by
671	driver license offices are in compliance with the Voting Rights
672	Act of 1965.
673	(9)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
674	shall retain complete records of voter registration information
675	received, processed, and submitted to the statewide voter
676	registration system. These records shall be for the explicit
677	purpose of supporting audit and accounting controls established
678	to ensure accurate and complete electronic transmission of
679	records between the statewide voter registration system and the
680	Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
681	(10)  The department shall provide the Department of
682	Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles with an electronic database of
683	street addresses valid for use as the legal residence address as
684	required in s. 97.053(5). The Department of Highway Safety and
685	Motor Vehicles shall compare the address provided by the
686	applicant against the database of valid street addresses. If the
687	address provided by the applicant does not match a valid street
688	address in the database, the applicant will be asked to verify
689	the address provided. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor
690	Vehicles shall not reject any application for voter registration
691	for which a valid match cannot be made.
692	(11)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
693	shall enter into an agreement with the department to match
694	information in the statewide voter registration system with
695	information in the database of the Department of Highway Safety
696	and Motor Vehicles to the extent required to verify the accuracy
697	of the driver's license number, Florida identification number,
698	or last four digits of the social security number provided on
699	applications for voter registration as required in s. 97.053.
700	(12)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
701	shall enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Social
702	Security as required by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to
703	verify the last four digits of the social security number
704	provided in applications for voter registration as required in
705	s. 97.053.
706	Section 10.  Subsections (6), (7), and (9) of section
707	97.058, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
708	97.058  Voter registration agencies.--
709	(6)  A voter registration agency must forward all completed
710	and incomplete voter registration applications within 5 days
711	after receipt to the supervisor of the county where the agency
712	that processed or received that application is located.
713	(7)  A voter registration agency must retain declinations
714	for a period of 2 years, during which time the declinations are
715	not considered a record of the client pursuant to the laws
716	governing the agency's records. However, a voter registration
717	agency must forward a copy of each incompleted voter
718	registration application within 5 days after receipt to the
719	appropriate supervisor of elections.
720	(9)  A voter registration agency must collect data
721	determined necessary by the department for program evaluation
722	and reporting to the Federal Election Assistance Commission
723	pursuant to federal law the National Voter Registration Act of
724	1993.
725	Section 11.  Section 97.061, Florida Statutes, is amended
726	to read:
727	97.061  Special registration for electors requiring
728	assistance.--
729	(1)  Any person who is eligible to register and who is
730	unable to read or write or who, because of some disability,
731	needs assistance in voting shall upon that person's request be
732	registered by the supervisor under the procedure prescribed by
733	this section and shall be entitled to receive assistance at the
734	polls under the conditions prescribed by this section.
735	(2)  If a person is qualified to register pursuant to this
736	section, the voter registration official supervisor shall note
737	in that person's registration record that the person needs
738	assistance in voting.
739	(3)  The precinct register generated by the supervisor
740	shall contain Upon registering any person pursuant to this
741	section, the supervisor must make a notation on the registration
742	books or records which are delivered to the polls on election
743	day that such person is eligible for assistance in voting, and
744	the supervisor shall may issue such person a special
745	registration identification card or make a some notation on the
746	voter information regular registration identification card that
747	such person is eligible for assistance in voting. Such person
748	shall be entitled to receive the assistance of two election
749	officials or some other person of his or her own choice, other
750	than the person's employer, the agent of the person's employer,
751	or an officer or agent of the person's union, without the
752	necessity of executing the "Declaration to Secure Assistance"
753	prescribed in s. 101.051. Such person shall notify the
754	supervisor of any change in his or her condition which makes it
755	unnecessary for him or her to receive assistance in voting.
756	Section 12.  Section 97.071, Florida Statutes, is amended
757	to read:
758	97.071  Voter information Registration identification
759	card.--
760	(1)  The department shall prescribe by rule a voter
761	information registration identification card that shall must be
762	furnished by the supervisor to all registered voters residing in
763	the supervisor's county. The card shall registering under the
764	permanent single registration system and must contain:
765	(a)  Voter's registration number.
766	(b)  Date of registration.
767	(c)  Full name.
768	(d)  Party affiliation.
769	(e)  Date of birth.
770	(f)  Race or ethnicity, if provided by the applicant.
771	(g)  Sex, if provided by the applicant.
772	(e)(h)  Address of legal residence.
773	(f)(i)  Precinct number.
774	(g)(j)  Name of supervisor and contact information of
775	supervisor.
776	(k)  Place for voter's signature.
777	(h)(l)  Other information deemed necessary by the
778	department.
779	(2)  A voter may receive a replacement voter information of
780	a registration identification card by providing a signed,
781	written request for a replacement card to a voter registration
782	official the supervisor. Upon verification of registration, the
783	supervisor shall issue the voter a duplicate card without
784	charge.
785	(3)  In the case of a change of name, address, or party
786	affiliation, the supervisor shall must issue the voter a new
787	voter information registration identification card. However, a
788	voter information registration identification card indicating a
789	party affiliation change made between the book-closing date for
790	the first primary election and the date of the second primary
791	election may not be issued until after the second primary
792	election.
793	Section 13.  Section 97.073, Florida Statutes, is amended
794	to read:
795	97.073  Disposition of voter registration applications;
796	cancellation notice.--
797	(1)  The supervisor must notify each applicant of the
798	disposition of the applicant's voter registration application.
799	The notice must inform the applicant that the application has
800	been approved, is incomplete, has been denied, or is a duplicate
801	of a current registration. A voter information registration
802	identification card sent to an applicant constitutes notice of
803	approval of registration. If the application is incomplete, the
804	supervisor must request that the applicant supply the missing
805	information using a voter registration application signed by the
806	applicant in writing and sign a statement that the additional
807	information is true and correct. A notice of denial must inform
808	the applicant of the reason the application was denied.
809	(2)  Within 2 weeks after approval of a voter registration
810	application that indicates that the applicant was previously
811	registered in another state jurisdiction, the department
812	supervisor must notify the registration official in the prior
813	state jurisdiction that the applicant is now registered in this
814	state the supervisor's county.
815	Section 14.  Section 97.1031, Florida Statutes, is amended
816	to read:
817	97.1031  Notice of change of residence within the same
818	county, change of name, or change of party affiliation.--
819	(1)  When an elector moves from the address named on that
820	person's voter registration record to another address within the
821	state or changes his or her name by marriage or other legal
822	process same county, the elector shall submit the new
823	information to a voter registration official using a voter
824	registration application signed by the elector must provide
825	notification of such move to the supervisor of elections of that
826	county. The elector may provide the supervisor a signed, written
827	notice or may notify the supervisor by telephone or electronic
828	means. However, notification of such move other than by signed,
829	written notice must include the elector's date of birth. A voter
830	information registration identification card reflecting the new
831	information address of legal residence shall be issued to the
832	elector as provided in subsection (3)(4).
833	(2)  When the name of an elector is changed by marriage or
834	other legal process, the elector must provide a signed, written
835	notification of such change to the supervisor and obtain a
836	registration identification card reflecting the new name.
837	(2)(3)  When an elector seeks to change party affiliation,
838	the elector shall must provide notice a signed, written
839	notification of such intent to a voter registration official
840	using a voter registration application signed by the elector. A
841	voter information the supervisor and obtain a registration
842	identification card reflecting the new party affiliation, shall
843	be issued by the supervisor to the elector subject to the
844	issuance restriction in s. 97.071(3).
845	(3)(4)  The voter registration official supervisor shall
846	make the necessary changes in the elector's records as soon as
847	practical upon receipt of such notice of a change of address of
848	legal residence, name, or party affiliation and shall issue the
849	new registration identification card as required by s.
850	97.071(3).
851	Section 15.  Section 97.105, Florida Statutes, is amended
852	to read:
853	97.105  Permanent single registration system
854	established.--A permanent single registration system for the
855	registration of electors to qualify them to vote in all
856	elections is provided for the several counties and
857	municipalities. This system shall be put into use by all
858	municipalities and shall be in lieu of any other system of
859	municipal registration. Electors shall be registered pursuant to
860	in pursuance of this system by a voter registration official the
861	supervisor or by a deputy supervisor, and electors registered
862	shall not thereafter be required to register or reregister
863	except as provided by law.
864	Section 16.  Subsections (3), (10), and (11) of section
865	98.015, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
866	98.015  Supervisor of elections; election, tenure of
867	office, compensation, custody of books, office hours, successor,
868	seal; appointment of deputy supervisors; duties.--
869	(3)  The supervisor is required to update voter
870	registration information and enter new voter registrations into
871	the statewide voter registration system and to act as the
872	official custodian of documents received by the supervisor
873	related to the registration of electors and changes in voter
874	registration status the registration books and has the exclusive
875	control of matters pertaining to registration of electors.
876	(10)  Each supervisor shall must ensure that all voter
877	registration and list maintenance procedures conducted by such
878	supervisor are in compliance with any applicable requirements
879	prescribed by the department through the statewide voter
880	registration system or prescribed by for that county under the
881	Voting Rights Act of 1965, the National Voter Registration Act
882	of 1993, and the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
883	(11)  Each supervisor shall ensure that any voter
884	registration system used by the supervisor for administering his
885	or her duties as a voter registration official complies with the
886	specifications and procedures established by the department and
887	the statewide voter registration system Each supervisor of
888	elections shall forward to the property appraiser for the county
889	in which the homestead is claimed the name of the person and the
890	address of the homestead of each person who registers to vote at
891	an address other than that at which the person claims a
892	homestead exemption, as disclosed on the uniform statewide voter
893	registration application pursuant to s. 97.052.
894	Section 17.  Section 98.035, Florida Statutes, is created
895	to read:
896	98.035  Statewide voter registration system;
897	implementation, operation, and maintenance.--
898	(1)  The Secretary of State, as chief election officer of
899	the state, shall be responsible for implementing, operating, and
900	maintaining, in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner, a
901	single, uniform, official, centralized, interactive,
902	computerized statewide voter registration system as required by
903	the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
904	(2)  The statewide voter registration system shall contain
905	the name and registration information of every legally
906	registered voter in the state. All voters shall be assigned a
907	unique identifier. The system shall be the official list of
908	registered voters in the state and shall provide secured access
909	by authorized voter registration officials. The system shall
910	enable voter registration officials to provide, access, and
911	update voter registration information.
912	(3)  The department shall not contract with any private
913	entity for the operation of the statewide voter registration
914	system.
915	(4)  The implementation of the statewide voter registration
916	system shall not prevent any supervisor of elections from
917	acquiring, maintaining, or using any hardware or software
918	necessary or desirable to carry out the supervisor's
919	responsibilities related to the use of voter registration
920	information or the conduct of elections, provided that such
921	hardware or software does not conflict with the operation of the
922	statewide voter registration system.
923	(5)  The department may adopt rules governing the access,
924	use, and operation of the statewide voter registration system to
925	ensure security, uniformity, and integrity of the system.
926	Section 18.  Section 98.045, Florida Statutes, is amended
927	to read:
928	98.045  Administration of voter registration.--
929	(1)  ELIGIBILITY OF APPLICANT.--The department Each
930	supervisor must ensure that any eligible applicant for voter
931	registration is registered to vote and that each application for
932	voter registration is processed in accordance with law. The
933	department shall determine whether a voter registration
934	applicant is ineligible based on any of the following:
935	(a)  The failure to complete a voter registration
936	application as specified in s. 97.053.
937	(b)  The applicant is deceased.
938	(c)  The applicant has been convicted of a felony for which
939	his or her civil rights have not been restored.
940	(d)  The applicant has been adjudicated mentally
941	incapacitated with respect to the right to vote and such right
942	has not been restored.
943	(e)  The applicant does not meet the age requirement
944	pursuant to s. 97.041.
945	(f)  The applicant is not a United States citizen.
946	(g)  The applicant is a fictitious person.
947	(h)  The applicant has provided an address of legal
948	residence that is not his or her legal residence.
949	(i)  The applicant has provided a driver's license number,
950	Florida identification card number, or the last four digits of a
951	social security number that is not verifiable by the department.
952	(2) REMOVAL OF REGISTERED VOTERS.--
953	(a)  Once a voter is registered, the name of that voter may
954	not be removed from the statewide voter registration system
955	books except at the written request of the voter, by reason of
956	the voter's conviction of a felony or adjudication as mentally
957	incapacitated with respect to voting, by death of the voter, or
958	pursuant to a registration list maintenance program or other
959	registration list maintenance activity conducted pursuant to s.
960	98.065 or, s. 98.075, or s. 98.0977.
961	(b)(2)  Information received by a voter registration
962	official supervisor from an election official in another state
963	jurisdiction indicating that a registered voter in this state
964	the supervisor's county has registered to vote in that other
965	state jurisdiction shall be considered as a written request from
966	the voter to have the voter's name removed from the statewide
967	voter registration system books of the supervisor's county.
968	(3)  PUBLIC RECORDS ACCESS AND RETENTION.--Each voter
969	registration official Notwithstanding the provisions of ss.
970	98.095 and 98.0977, each supervisor shall maintain for at least
971	2 years, and make available for public inspection and copying,
972	all records concerning implementation of registration list
973	maintenance programs and activities conducted pursuant to ss.
974	98.065 and, 98.075, and 98.0977. The records must include lists
975	of the name and address of each person to whom a an address
976	confirmation final notice was sent and information as to whether
977	each such person responded to the mailing, but may not include
978	any information that is confidential or exempt from public
979	records requirements under this code.
980	(4)  STATEWIDE ELECTRONIC DATABASE OF VALID STREET
981	ADDRESSES.--
982	(a)  The department shall compile and maintain a statewide
983	electronic database of valid street addresses; make all
984	reasonable efforts to coordinate with county 911, property
985	appraisers, the Department of Revenue, the United States Postal
986	Service, or other agencies as necessary to ensure the continued
987	accuracy of such lists; and evaluate the information to identify
988	any duplicate addresses and any address that may overlap county
989	boundaries.
990	(b)  The department shall make the statewide database of
991	valid street addresses available to the Department of Highway
992	Safety and Motor Vehicles as provided for in s. 97.057(10). The
993	Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall use the
994	database for purposes of validating the legal residential
995	addresses provided in voter registration applications received
996	by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
997	(5)  FORMS.--The department may prescribe by rule forms
998	necessary to conduct maintenance of records in the statewide
999	voter registration system.
1000	Section 19.  Section 98.065, Florida Statutes, as amended
1001	by chapter 2002-281, Laws of Florida, is amended to read:
1002	98.065  Registration list maintenance programs.--
1003	(1)  The supervisor must conduct a general registration
1004	list maintenance program to protect the integrity of the
1005	electoral process by ensuring the maintenance of accurate and
1006	current voter registration records in the statewide voter
1007	registration system. The program must be uniform,
1008	nondiscriminatory, and in compliance with the Voting Rights Act
1009	of 1965, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and the
1010	Help America Vote Act of 2002. As used in this subsection, the
1011	term "nondiscriminatory" applies to and includes persons with
1012	disabilities.
1013	(2)  A supervisor must incorporate one or more of the
1014	following procedures in the supervisor's biennial registration
1015	list maintenance program under which:
1016	(a)  Change-of-address information supplied by the United
1017	States Postal Service through its licensees is used to identify
1018	registered voters whose addresses might have changed;
1019	(b)  Change-of-address information is identified from
1020	returned nonforwardable return-if-undeliverable mail sent to all
1021	registered voters in the county; or
1022	(c)  Change-of-address information is identified from
1023	returned nonforwardable return-if-undeliverable address
1024	confirmation requests mailed to all registered voters who have
1025	not voted in the last 2 years and who did not make a written
1026	request that their registration records be updated during that
1027	time.
1028	(3)  A registration list maintenance program must be
1029	conducted by each supervisor, at a minimum, in each odd-numbered
1030	year and must be completed not later than 90 days prior to the
1031	date of any federal election. A voter's name may not be removed
1032	from the statewide voter registration system books later than 90
1033	days prior to the date of a federal election. However, nothing
1034	in this section shall preclude the removal of the name of a
1035	voter from the statewide voter registration system books, at any
1036	time and without prior notification, upon the written request of
1037	the voter, by reason of conviction of the voter of a felony, by
1038	reason of adjudication of the voter as mentally incapacitated
1039	with respect to voting, by reason of the death of the voter, or
1040	upon a determination of ineligibility as provided in s.
1041	98.075(3). All list maintenance actions associated with each
1042	voter must be entered, tracked, and maintained in the statewide
1043	voter registration system.
1044	(4)(a)  If the supervisor receives change-of-address
1045	information pursuant to the activities conducted in subsection
1046	(2), from jury notices signed by the voter and returned to the
1047	courts, from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
1048	Vehicles, or from other sources, which information indicates
1049	that the legal address of a registered voter might have changed,
1050	the supervisor shall send by forwardable return-if-undeliverable
1051	mail an address confirmation notice to the address at which the
1052	voter was last registered. A supervisor may also send an address
1053	confirmation notice to any voter who the supervisor has reason
1054	to believe has moved from his or her legal residence.
1055	(b)  The address confirmation notice shall contain a
1056	postage prepaid preaddressed return form on which:
1057	1.  If the voter has changed his or her address of legal
1058	residence to a location outside the state, the voter shall mark
1059	that the voter's legal residence has changed to a location
1060	outside the state. The form shall also include information on
1061	how to register in the new state in order to be eligible to
1062	vote. The form must be returned within 30 days after the date of
1063	the notice. The completed form shall constitute a request to be
1064	removed from the statewide voter registration system.
1065	2.  If the voter has changed his or her address of legal
1066	residence to a location inside the state, the voter shall set
1067	forth the updated or corrected address and submit the return
1068	form within 30 days after the date of the notice. The completed
1069	form shall constitute a request to update the statewide voter
1070	registration system with the updated or corrected address
1071	information.
1072	3.  If the voter has not changed his or her address of
1073	legal residence as printed on the address confirmation notice,
1074	the voter shall confirm that his or her address of legal
1075	residence has not changed and submit the form within 30 days
1076	after the date of the notice.
1077	(c)  The supervisor must designate as inactive all voters
1078	who have been sent an address confirmation notice and who have
1079	not returned the postage prepaid preaddressed return form within
1080	30 days or for which an address confirmation notice has been
1081	returned as undeliverable. Names on the inactive list may not be
1082	used to calculate the number of signatures needed on any
1083	petition. A voter on the inactive list may be restored to the
1084	active list of voters upon the voter updating his or her
1085	registration, requesting an absentee ballot, or appearing to
1086	vote. However, if the voter does not update his or her voter
1087	registration information, request an absentee ballot, or vote by
1088	the second general election after being placed on the inactive
1089	list, the voter's name shall be removed from the statewide voter
1090	registration system and the voter shall be required to
1091	reregister to have his or her name restored to the statewide
1092	voter registration system.
1093	(5)  No notice may be issued pursuant to this section and
1094	no voter's name may be removed from the statewide voter
1095	registration system later than 90 days prior to the date of a
1096	federal election. However, nothing in this section shall
1097	preclude the removal of the name of a voter from the statewide
1098	voter registration system at any time upon the voter's written
1099	request, by reason of the voter's death, or upon a determination
1100	of the voter's ineligibility as provided in s. 98.075(7).
1101	(6)(a)  No later than July 31 and January 31 of each year,
1102	the supervisor must certify to the department the list
1103	maintenance activities conducted during the first 6 months and
1104	the second 6 months of the year, respectively, including the
1105	number of address confirmation requests sent, the number of
1106	address confirmation final notices sent, the number of voters
1107	designated as inactive, and the number of voters removed from
1108	the statewide voter registration system.
1109	(b)  If, based on the certification provided pursuant to
1110	paragraph (a), the department determines that a supervisor has
1111	not conducted the list maintenance activities as required by
1112	this section, the department shall conduct the appropriate list
1113	maintenance activities for that county. Failure to conduct list
1114	maintenance activities as required in this section shall
1115	constitute a violation of s. 104.051.
1116	(4)  If the supervisor receives change-of-address
1117	information from the United States Postal Service or its
1118	licensees or from jury notices signed by the voter and returned
1119	to the courts, which indicates that:
1120	(a)  The voter has moved within the supervisor's county,
1121	the supervisor must change the registration records to show the
1122	new address and must send the voter a notice of the change by
1123	forwardable mail, including a postage prepaid preaddressed
1124	return form with which the voter may verify or correct the
1125	address information.
1126	(b)  The voter has moved outside the supervisor's county,
1127	or contains no forwarding address, the supervisor shall send an
1128	address confirmation final notice and remove the name of the
1129	voter from the registration record if that voter did not:
1130	1.  Return the postage prepaid preaddressed return form;
1131	2.  Appear to vote;
1132	3.  Change the voter's registration; or
1133	4.  Request an absentee ballot
1134
1135	during the period beginning on the date when the address
1136	confirmation final notice was sent and ending on the day after
1137	the date of the second general election thereafter.
1138	(5)  The supervisor must designate as inactive all voters
1139	who have been sent an address confirmation final notice and who
1140	have not returned the postage prepaid preaddressed return form
1141	within 30 days. A voter on the inactive list must be allowed to
1142	vote and to change the voter's name or address of legal
1143	residence at the polls pursuant to s. 101.045. Names on the
1144	inactive list may not be used to calculate the number of
1145	signatures needed on any petition or the quantity of voting
1146	equipment needed.
1147	Section 20.  Section 98.075, Florida Statutes, is amended
1148	to read:
1149	(Substantial rewording of section. See
1150	s. 98.075, F.S., for present text)
1151	98.075  Registration records maintenance activities;
1152	ineligibility determinations.--
1153	(1)  MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS.--The department shall protect
1154	the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring the
1155	maintenance of accurate and current voter registration records.
1156	List maintenance activities must be uniform, nondiscriminatory,
1157	and in compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the
1158	National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and the Help America
1159	Vote Act of 2002.
1160	(2)  DUPLICATE REGISTRATION.--The department shall identify
1161	those voters who are registered more than once or those
1162	applicants whose registration applications would result in
1163	duplicate registrations. The most recent application shall be
1164	deemed an update to the voter registration record.
1165	(3)  DECEASED PERSONS.--The department shall identify those
1166	registered voters who are deceased by comparing information on
1167	the lists of deceased persons received from the Department of
1168	Health as provided in s. 98.093. Upon receipt of such
1169	information through the statewide voter registration system, the
1170	supervisor shall remove the name of the registered voter.
1171	(4)  ADJUDICATION OF MENTAL INCAPACITY.--The department
1172	shall identify those registered voters who have been adjudicated
1173	mentally incapacitated with respect to voting and who have not
1174	had their voting rights restored by comparing information
1175	received from the clerk of the circuit court as provided in s.
1176	98.093. The department shall review such information and make an
1177	initial determination as to whether the information is credible
1178	and reliable. If the department determines that the information
1179	is credible and reliable, the department shall notify the
1180	supervisor and provide a copy of the supporting documentation
1181	indicating the potential ineligibility of the voter to be
1182	registered. Upon receipt of the notice that the department has
1183	made a determination of initial credibility and reliability, the
1184	supervisor shall adhere to the procedures set forth in
1185	subsection (7) prior to the removal of a registered voter from
1186	the statewide voter registration system.
1187	(5)  FELONY CONVICTION.--The department shall identify
1188	those registered voters who have been convicted of a felony and
1189	whose rights have not been restored by comparing information
1190	received from, but not limited to, a clerk of the circuit court,
1191	the Board of Executive Clemency, the Department of Corrections,
1192	the Department of Law Enforcement, and a United States
1193	Attorney's Office, as provided in s. 98.093. The department
1194	shall review such information and make an initial determination
1195	as to whether the information is credible and reliable. If the
1196	department determines that the information is credible and
1197	reliable, the department shall notify the supervisor and provide
1198	a copy of the supporting documentation indicating the potential
1199	ineligibility of the voter to be registered. Upon receipt of the
1200	notice that the department has made a determination of initial
1201	credibility and reliability, the supervisor shall adhere to the
1202	procedures set forth in subsection (7) prior to the removal of a
1203	registered voter's name from the statewide voter registration
1204	system.
1205	(6)  OTHER BASES FOR INELIGIBILITY.--If the department or
1206	voter registration official receives information other than from
1207	the sources identified in subsections (2)-(5) that a registered
1208	voter does not meet the age requirement pursuant to s. 97.041,
1209	is not a United States citizen, is a fictitious person, or has
1210	listed a residence that is not his or her legal residence, the
1211	supervisor shall adhere to the procedures set forth in
1212	subsection (7) prior to the removal of a registered voter's name
1213	from the statewide voter registration system.
1214	(7)  PROCEDURES FOR REMOVAL.--
1215	(a)  If the supervisor receives notice or information
1216	pursuant to subsections (4)-(6), the supervisor of the county in
1217	which the voter is registered shall:
1218	1.  Notify the registered voter of his or her potential
1219	ineligibility by mail within 7 days after receipt of notice or
1220	information. The notice shall include:
1221	a.  A statement of the basis for the registered voter's
1222	potential ineligibility and a copy of any documentation upon
1223	which the potential ineligibility is based.
1224	b.  A statement that failure to respond within 30 days
1225	after receipt of the notice may result in a determination of
1226	ineligibility and in the removal of the registered voter's name
1227	from the statewide voter registration system.
1228	c.  A return form that requires the registered voter to
1229	admit or deny the accuracy of the information underlying the
1230	potential ineligibility for purposes of a final determination by
1231	the supervisor.
1232	d.  A statement that, if the voter is denying the accuracy
1233	of the information underlying the potential ineligibility, the
1234	voter has a right to request a hearing for the purpose of
1235	determining eligibility.
1236	e.  Instructions for the registered voter to contact the
1237	supervisor of elections of the county in which the voter is
1238	registered if assistance is needed in resolving the matter.
1239	f.  Instructions for seeking restoration of civil rights
1240	following a felony conviction, if applicable.
1241	2.  If the mailed notice is returned as undeliverable, the
1242	supervisor shall publish notice once in a newspaper of general
1243	circulation in the county in which the voter was last
1244	registered. The notice shall contain the following:
1245	a.  The voter's name and address.
1246	b.  A statement that the voter is potentially ineligible to
1247	be registered to vote.
1248	c.  A statement that failure to respond within 30 days from
1249	the published notice may result in a determination of
1250	ineligibility by the supervisor and the removal of the
1251	registered voter's name from the statewide voter registration
1252	system.
1253	d.  An instruction for the voter to contact the supervisor
1254	no later than 30 days from the date of the published notice to
1255	receive information regarding the basis for the potential
1256	ineligibility and the procedure to resolve the matter.
1257	e.  An instruction to the voter that, if further assistance
1258	is needed, the voter should contact the supervisor of elections
1259	of the county in which the voter is registered.
1260	3.  If a registered voter fails to respond to a notice
1261	pursuant to subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2., the supervisor
1262	shall make a final determination of the voter's eligibility. If
1263	the supervisor determines that the voter is ineligible, the
1264	supervisor shall remove the name of the registered voter from
1265	the statewide voter registration system. The supervisor shall
1266	notify the registered voter of his or her determination and
1267	action.
1268	4.  If a registered voter responds to the notice pursuant
1269	to subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2. and admits the accuracy of
1270	the information underlying the potential ineligibility, the
1271	supervisor shall make a final determination of ineligibility and
1272	shall remove the voter's name from the statewide voter
1273	registration system. The supervisor shall notify the registered
1274	voter of his or her determination and action.
1275	5.  If a registered voter responds to the notice issued
1276	pursuant to subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2. and denies the
1277	accuracy of the information underlying the potential
1278	ineligibility but does not request a hearing, the supervisor
1279	shall review the evidence and make a final determination of
1280	eligibility. If such registered voter requests a hearing, the
1281	supervisor shall send notice to the registered voter to attend a
1282	hearing at a time and place specified in the notice. Upon
1283	hearing all evidence presented at the hearing, the supervisor
1284	shall make a determination of eligibility. If the supervisor
1285	determines that the registered voter is ineligible, the
1286	supervisor shall remove the voter's name from the statewide
1287	voter registration system and notify the registered voter of his
1288	or her determination and action.
1289	(b)  The following shall apply to this subsection:
1290	1.  All determinations of eligibility shall be based on a
1291	preponderance of the evidence.
1292	2.  All proceedings are exempt from the provisions of
1293	chapter 120.
1294	3.  Any notice shall be sent by certified mail, return
1295	receipt requested, or other means that provides a verification
1296	of receipt to the registered voter or by publication in a
1297	newspaper of general circulation where the voter was last
1298	registered, whichever is applicable.
1299	4.  The supervisor shall remove the name of any registered
1300	voter from the statewide voter registration system only after
1301	the supervisor makes a final determination that the voter is
1302	ineligible.
1303	5.  Any voter whose name has been removed from the
1304	statewide voter registration system pursuant to a determination
1305	of ineligibility may appeal that determination under the
1306	provisions of s. 98.0755.
1307	6.  Any voter whose name was removed from the statewide
1308	voter registration system on the basis of a determination of
1309	ineligibility who subsequently becomes eligible to vote shall be
1310	required to reregister to have his or her name restored to the
1311	statewide voter registration system.
1312	(8)(a)  No later than July 31 and January 31 of each year,
1313	the supervisor shall certify to the department the activities
1314	conducted pursuant to this section during the first 6 months and
1315	the second 6 months of the year, respectively. The certification
1316	shall include the number of persons to whom notices were sent
1317	pursuant to subsection (7), the number of persons who responded
1318	to the notices, the number of notices returned as undeliverable,
1319	the number of notices published in the newspaper, the number of
1320	hearings conducted, and the number of persons removed from the
1321	statewide voter registration systems and the reasons for such
1322	removals.
1323	(b)  If, based on the certification provided pursuant to
1324	paragraph (a), the department determines that a supervisor has
1325	not satisfied the requirements of this section, the department
1326	shall satisfy the appropriate requirements for that county.
1327	Failure to satisfy the requirements of this section shall
1328	constitute a violation of s. 104.051.
1329	Section 21.  Section 98.0755, Florida Statutes, is created
1330	to read:
1331	98.0755  Appeal of determination of ineligibility.--Appeal
1332	of the department's determination of ineligibility pursuant to
1333	s. 98.075(7) may be taken to the circuit court in and for the
1334	county where the person was registered. Notice of appeal must be
1335	filed within the time and in the manner provided by the Florida
1336	Rules of Appellate Procedure and acts as supersedeas. Trial in
1337	the circuit court is de novo and governed by the rules of that
1338	court. Unless the person can show that his or her name was
1339	erroneously or illegally removed from the statewide voter
1340	registration system, or that he or she is indigent, the person
1341	must bear the costs of the trial in the circuit court.
1342	Otherwise, the cost of the appeal must be paid by the
1343	department.
1344	Section 22.  Section 98.077, Florida Statutes, is amended
1345	to read:
1346	98.077  Update of voter signature.--
1347	(1)  A registered voter may update his or her signature on
1348	file in the statewide voter registration system at any time
1349	using a voter registration application submitted to a voter
1350	registration official.
1351	(2)  The department and supervisors supervisor of elections
1352	shall include in any correspondence, other than postcard
1353	notifications and notices relating to eligibility, sent to a
1354	provide to each registered voter information regarding of the
1355	county the opportunity to update his or her signature on file at
1356	the supervisor's office by providing notification of the ability
1357	to do so in any correspondence, other than postcard
1358	notifications, sent to the voter. The notice shall advise when,
1359	where, and how to update the voter's signature and shall provide
1360	the voter information on how to obtain a voter registration
1361	application form from a voter registration official the
1362	supervisor that can be returned to update the signature.
1363	(3)  In addition, At least once during each general
1364	election year, the supervisor shall publish in a newspaper of
1365	general circulation or other newspaper in the county deemed
1366	appropriate by the supervisor a notice specifying when, where,
1367	or how a voter can update his or her signature that is on file
1368	or how a voter can obtain a voter registration application form
1369	from a voter registration official the supervisor to do so.
1370	(4)  All signature updates for use in verifying absentee
1371	and provisional ballots must be received by the appropriate
1372	supervisor of elections no later than the start of the
1373	canvassing of absentee ballots by the canvassing board. The
1374	signature on file at the start of the canvass of the absentees
1375	is the signature that shall be used in verifying the signature
1376	on the absentee and provisional ballot certificates.
1377	Section 23.  Section 98.081, Florida Statutes, is amended
1378	to read:
1379	98.081  Names removed from the statewide voter registration
1380	system books; restrictions on reregistering; recordkeeping;
1381	restoration of erroneously or illegally removed names.--
1382	(1)  Any person who requested that his or her name be
1383	removed from the statewide voter registration system books
1384	between the book-closing date of the first primary and the date
1385	of the second primary may not register in a different political
1386	party until after the date of the second primary election.
1387	(2)  When the name of any elector is removed from the
1388	statewide voter registration system books pursuant to s. 98.065
1389	or, s. 98.075, or s. 98.093, the elector's original registration
1390	application form shall be retained by the voter registration
1391	official having custody of the application filed alphabetically
1392	in the office of the supervisor. As alternatives, registrations
1393	removed from the statewide voter registration system books may
1394	be microfilmed and such microfilms substituted for the original
1395	registration applications forms; or, when voter registration
1396	information, including the voter's signature, is maintained
1397	digitally or on electronic, magnetic, or optic media, such
1398	stored information may be substituted for the original
1399	registration application form. Such microfilms or stored
1400	information shall be retained by the voter registration official
1401	having in the custody of the supervisor. In the event the
1402	original registration applications forms are microfilmed or
1403	maintained digitally or on electronic or other media, such
1404	originals may be destroyed in accordance with the schedule
1405	approved by the Bureau of Archives and Records Management of the
1406	Division of Library and Information Services of the department.
1407	(3)  When the name of any elector has been erroneously or
1408	illegally removed from the statewide voter registration system
1409	books, the name of the elector shall be restored by a voter
1410	registration official the supervisor upon satisfactory proof,
1411	even though the registration period for that election is closed.
1412	Section 24.  Section 98.093, Florida Statutes, is amended
1413	to read:
1414	98.093  Duty of officials to furnish lists of deceased
1415	persons, persons adjudicated mentally incapacitated, and persons
1416	convicted of a felony.--
1417	(1)  In order to ensure the maintenance of accurate and
1418	current voter registration records, it is necessary for the
1419	department to receive certain information from state and federal
1420	officials and entities. The department shall use the information
1421	provided from the sources in subsection (2) to maintain the
1422	voter registration records.
1423	(2)  To the maximum extent feasible, state and local
1424	government agencies shall facilitate provision of information
1425	and access to data to the department, including, but not limited
1426	to, databases that contain reliable criminal records and records
1427	of deceased persons. State and local government agencies that
1428	provide such data shall do so without charge if the direct cost
1429	incurred by those agencies is not significant.
1430	(a)  The Department of Health shall furnish monthly to the
1431	department each supervisor of elections a list containing the
1432	name, address, date of birth, date of death, social security
1433	number, race, and sex of each deceased person 17 years of age or
1434	older who was a resident of such supervisor's county.
1435	(b)(2)  Each clerk of the circuit court shall furnish
1436	monthly to the department, at least once each month, deliver to
1437	each supervisor of elections a list of those persons who have
1438	been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting
1439	during the preceding calendar month, a list of those persons
1440	whose mental capacity with respect to voting has been restored
1441	during the preceding calendar month, and a list of those persons
1442	who have returned signed jury notices during the preceding
1443	months to the clerk of the circuit court indicating a change of
1444	address. Each list shall include stating the name, address, date
1445	of birth, race, and sex, and, whichever is available, the
1446	Florida driver's license number, Florida identification card
1447	number, or social security number of each such person convicted
1448	of a felony during the preceding calendar month who was a
1449	resident of that supervisor's county, a list stating the name,
1450	address, date of birth, race, and sex of each person adjudicated
1451	mentally incapacitated with respect to voting during the
1452	preceding calendar month who was a resident of that supervisor's
1453	county, and a list stating the name, address, date of birth,
1454	race, and sex of each person whose mental capacity with respect
1455	to voting has been restored who was a resident of that
1456	supervisor's county.
1457	(c)(3)  Upon receipt of information from the United States
1458	Attorney, listing persons convicted of a felony in federal
1459	court, the department shall use such information to identify
1460	registered voters or applicants for voter registration who may
1461	be potentially ineligible based on information provided in
1462	accordance with s. 98.075 immediately forward such information
1463	to the supervisor of elections for the county where the offender
1464	resides.
1465	(d)  The Department of Law Enforcement shall furnish
1466	monthly to the department a list of those persons who have been
1467	convicted of a felony in the preceding month or any updates to
1468	prior records that may have occurred in the preceding month. The
1469	list shall contain the name, address, date of birth, race, sex,
1470	date of conviction, county of conviction, social security
1471	number, and a unique identifier of each conviction of each
1472	person.
1473	(e)  The Board of Executive Clemency shall furnish monthly
1474	to the department a list of those persons granted clemency in
1475	the preceding month or any updates to prior records that may
1476	have occurred in the preceding month. The list shall contain the
1477	Board of Executive Clemency case number, name, address, date of
1478	birth, race, sex, and, where available, the social security
1479	number, references to record identifiers assigned by the
1480	Department of Corrections, a unique identifier of each clemency
1481	case, and the effective date of clemency of each person.
1482	(f)  The Department of Corrections shall furnish monthly to
1483	the department a list of those persons transferred to the
1484	Department of Corrections in the preceding month or any updates
1485	to prior records that may have occurred in the preceding month.
1486	The list shall contain the name, address, date of birth, race,
1487	sex, social security number, Department of Corrections record
1488	identification number, and associated Department of Law
1489	Enforcement felony conviction record number of each person.
1490	(g)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
1491	shall furnish monthly to the department a list of those persons
1492	whose names have been removed from the driver's license database
1493	because they have been licensed in another state. The list shall
1494	contain the name, address, date of birth, sex, social security
1495	number, and driver's license number of each such person.
1496	(4)  Upon receipt of any such list, the supervisor shall
1497	remove from the registration books the name of any person listed
1498	who is deceased, convicted of a felony, or adjudicated mentally
1499	incapacitated with respect to voting. A person who has had his
1500	or her mental capacity with respect to voting restored or who
1501	has had his or her right to vote restored after conviction of a
1502	felony shall be required to reregister to have his or her name
1503	restored to the registration books.
1504	(3)(5)  Nothing in this section shall limit or restrict the
1505	department in its duty or the supervisor in his or her duty to
1506	remove the names of such persons from the statewide voter
1507	registration system pursuant to s. 98.075(7) based upon books
1508	after verification of information received from other sources.
1509	Section 25.  Section 98.0981, Florida Statutes, is created
1510	to read:
1511	98.0981  Statewide voter registration database;
1512	preservation.--
1513	(1)  The department shall send to the Legislature in
1514	electronic format a file containing all voters qualified as of
1515	the close of books for an election to vote in such election. The
1516	file shall contain a unique identifier of the voter; the
1517	information requested in the uniform statewide voter
1518	registration application pursuant to s. 97.052(2); the date of
1519	registration; the representative district, senatorial district,
1520	congressional district, and precinct in which the voter resides;
1521	the ballot design used by the voter; and whether the voter voted
1522	at the poll, by absentee ballot, or by early vote at a
1523	designated location, or whether the voter did not vote. If a
1524	person voted by absentee ballot and the ballot was not counted,
1525	the file shall contain the reason the ballot was not counted.
1526	This file shall be delivered within 60 days after an election to
1527	the Legislature.
1528	(2)  The department shall certify whether the totals in the
1529	file pursuant to subsection (1) match the published totals of
1530	votes as certified by the canvassing boards. If the totals do
1531	not match, the department shall give a report to the Legislature
1532	explaining why the totals do not match.
1533	Section 26.  Section 98.212, Florida Statutes, is amended
1534	to read:
1535	98.212  Department and supervisors to furnish statistical
1536	and other information.--
1537	(1)(a)  Upon written request, the department and any
1538	supervisor of the respective counties supervisors shall, as
1539	promptly as possible, furnish to recognized public or private
1540	universities and senior colleges within the state, to state or
1541	county governmental agencies, and to recognized political party
1542	committees statistical information for the purpose of analyzing
1543	election returns and results.
1544	(b)  The department and any supervisor Supervisors may
1545	require reimbursement for any part or all of the actual expenses
1546	of supplying any information requested under paragraph (a). For
1547	the purposes of this subsection, the department and supervisors
1548	may use the services of any research and statistical personnel
1549	that may be supplied.
1550	(c)  Lists of names submitted to the department and any
1551	supervisor of the respective counties supervisors for indication
1552	of registration or nonregistration or of party affiliation shall
1553	be processed at any time at cost, except that in no case shall
1554	the charge exceed 10 cents for each name on which the
1555	information is furnished.
1556	(2)  The supervisors shall provide information as requested
1557	by the department for program evaluation and reporting to the
1558	Federal Election Assistance Commission pursuant to federal law
1559	the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
1560	Section 27.  Section 98.461, Florida Statutes, is amended
1561	to read:
1562	98.461  Registration application form, precinct register;
1563	contents.--
1564	(1)  A registration application form, approved by the
1565	Department of State, containing the information required in s.
1566	97.052 shall be retained by the voter registration official
1567	receiving the application filed alphabetically in the office of
1568	the supervisor as the master list of electors of the county.
1569	However, the registration application forms may be microfilmed
1570	and such microfilm microfilms substituted for the original
1571	registration application forms; or, when voter registration
1572	information, including the voter's signature, is maintained
1573	digitally or on electronic, magnetic, or optic media, such
1574	stored information may be substituted for the original
1575	registration application form. Such microfilms or stored
1576	information shall be retained in the custody of the voter
1577	registration official receiving the applications supervisor of
1578	elections. In the event the original registration applications
1579	forms are microfilmed or maintained digitally or on electronic
1580	or other media, such originals may be destroyed in accordance
1581	with the schedule approved by the Bureau of Archives and Records
1582	Management of the Division of Library and Information Services
1583	of the Department of State. As an alternative, the information
1584	from the registration form, including the signature, may be
1585	electronically reproduced and stored as provided in s. 98.451.
1586	(2)  A computer printout or electronic database shall be
1587	used at the polls as a precinct register in lieu of the
1588	registration books. The precinct register shall contain the date
1589	of the election, the precinct number, and the following
1590	information concerning each registered elector: last name, first
1591	name, and middle name or initial, and suffix; party affiliation;
1592	residence address; registration number; date of birth; sex, if
1593	provided; race, if provided; whether the voter needs assistance
1594	in voting; and such other additional information as to readily
1595	identify the elector. The precinct register shall also contain a
1596	space for the elector's signature and a space for the initials
1597	of the witnessing clerk or inspector or an electronic device may
1598	be provided for this purpose.
1599	Section 28.  Effective January 1, 2007, section 100.371,
1600	Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1601	100.371  Initiatives; procedure for placement on ballot.--
1602	(1)  Constitutional amendments proposed by initiative shall
1603	be placed on the ballot for the general election provided the
1604	initiative has been filed with occurring in excess of 90 days
1605	from the certification of ballot position by the Secretary of
1606	State no later than February 1 of the year the general election
1607	is held. A petition shall be deemed to be filed with the
1608	Secretary of State upon the date the secretary determines that
1609	the petition has been signed by the constitutionally required
1610	number of electors.
1611	(2)  Such certification shall be issued when the Secretary
1612	of State has received verification certificates from the
1613	supervisors of elections indicating that the requisite number
1614	and distribution of valid signatures of electors have been
1615	submitted to and verified by the supervisors. Every signature
1616	shall be dated when made and shall be valid for a period of 4
1617	years following such date, provided all other requirements of
1618	law are complied with.
1619	(2)(3)  The sponsor of an initiative amendment shall, prior
1620	to obtaining any signatures, register as a political committee
1621	pursuant to s. 106.03 and submit the text of the proposed
1622	amendment to the Secretary of State, with the form on which the
1623	signatures will be affixed, and shall obtain the approval of the
1624	Secretary of State of such form. The Secretary of State shall
1625	promulgate rules pursuant to s. 120.54 prescribing the style and
1626	requirements of such form.
1627	(3)(4)  Each signature shall be dated when made and shall
1628	be valid for a period of 4 years following such date, provided
1629	all other requirements of law are met. The sponsor shall submit
1630	signed and dated forms to the appropriate supervisor of
1631	elections for verification as to the number of registered
1632	electors whose valid signatures appear thereon. The supervisor
1633	shall promptly verify the signatures upon payment of the fee
1634	required by s. 99.097. The supervisor shall promptly record each
1635	valid signature in the statewide voter registration system in
1636	the manner prescribed by the Secretary of State. Upon completion
1637	of verification, the supervisor shall execute a certificate
1638	indicating the total number of signatures checked, the number of
1639	signatures verified as valid and as being of registered
1640	electors, and the distribution by congressional district. This
1641	certificate shall be immediately transmitted to the Secretary of
1642	State. The supervisor shall retain the signature forms for at
1643	least 1 year following the election in which the issue appeared
1644	on the ballot or until the Division of Elections notifies the
1645	supervisors of elections that the committee which circulated the
1646	petition is no longer seeking to obtain ballot position.
1647	(4)(5)  The Secretary of State shall determine from the
1648	signatures verified by the verification certificates received
1649	from supervisors of elections and recorded in the statewide
1650	voter registration system the total number of verified valid
1651	signatures and the distribution of such signatures by
1652	congressional districts. Upon a determination that the requisite
1653	number and distribution of valid signatures have been obtained,
1654	the secretary shall issue a certificate of ballot position for
1655	that proposed amendment and shall assign a designating number
1656	pursuant to s. 101.161. A petition shall be deemed to be filed
1657	with the Secretary of State upon the date of the receipt by the
1658	secretary of a certificate or certificates from supervisors of
1659	elections indicating the petition has been signed by the
1660	constitutionally required number of electors.
1661	(5)(6)(a)  Within 45 days after receipt of a proposed
1662	revision or amendment to the State Constitution by initiative
1663	petition from the Secretary of State or, within 30 days after
1664	such receipt if receipt occurs 120 days or less before the
1665	election at which the question of ratifying the amendment will
1666	be presented, the Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall
1667	complete an analysis and financial impact statement to be placed
1668	on the ballot of the estimated increase or decrease in any
1669	revenues or costs to state or local governments resulting from
1670	the proposed initiative. The Financial Impact Estimating
1671	Conference shall submit the financial impact statement to the
1672	Attorney General and Secretary of State.
1673	(b)1.  The Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall
1674	provide an opportunity for any proponents or opponents of the
1675	initiative to submit information and may solicit information or
1676	analysis from any other entities or agencies, including the
1677	Office of Economic and Demographic Research. All meetings of the
1678	Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall be open to the
1679	public as provided in chapter 286.
1680	2.  The Financial Impact Estimating Conference is
1681	established to review, analyze, and estimate the financial
1682	impact of amendments to or revisions of the State Constitution
1683	proposed by initiative. The Financial Impact Estimating
1684	Conference shall consist of four principals: one person from the
1685	Executive Office of the Governor; the coordinator of the Office
1686	of Economic and Demographic Research, or his or her designee;
1687	one person from the professional staff of the Senate; and one
1688	person from the professional staff of the House of
1689	Representatives. Each principal shall have appropriate fiscal
1690	expertise in the subject matter of the initiative. A Financial
1691	Impact Estimating Conference may be appointed for each
1692	initiative.
1693	3.  Principals of the Financial Impact Estimating
1694	Conference shall reach a consensus or majority concurrence on a
1695	clear and unambiguous financial impact statement, no more than
1696	75 words in length, and immediately submit the statement to the
1697	Attorney General. Nothing in this subsection prohibits the
1698	Financial Impact Estimating Conference from setting forth a
1699	range of potential impacts in the financial impact statement.
1700	Any financial impact statement that a court finds not to be in
1701	accordance with this section shall be remanded solely to the
1702	Financial Impact Estimating Conference for redrafting. The
1703	Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall redraft the
1704	financial impact statement within 15 days.
1705	4.  If the members of the Financial Impact Estimating
1706	Conference are unable to agree on the statement required by this
1707	subsection, or if the Supreme Court has rejected the initial
1708	submission by the Financial Impact Estimating Conference and no
1709	redraft has been approved by the Supreme Court by 5 p.m. on the
1710	75th day before the election, the following statement shall
1711	appear on the ballot pursuant to s. 101.161(1): "The financial
1712	impact of this measure, if any, cannot be reasonably determined
1713	at this time."
1714	(c)  The financial impact statement must be separately
1715	contained and be set forth after the ballot summary as required
1716	in s. 101.161(1).
1717	(d)1.  Any financial impact statement that the Supreme
1718	Court finds not to be in accordance with this subsection shall
1719	be remanded solely to the Financial Impact Estimating Conference
1720	for redrafting, provided the court's advisory opinion is
1721	rendered at least 75 days before the election at which the
1722	question of ratifying the amendment will be presented. The
1723	Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall prepare and adopt a
1724	revised financial impact statement no later than 5 p.m. on the
1725	15th day after the date of the court's opinion.
1726	2.  If, by 5 p.m. on the 75th day before the election, the
1727	Supreme Court has not issued an advisory opinion on the initial
1728	financial impact statement prepared by the Financial Impact
1729	Estimating Conference for an initiative amendment that otherwise
1730	meets the legal requirements for ballot placement, the financial
1731	impact statement shall be deemed approved for placement on the
1732	ballot.
1733	3.  In addition to the financial impact statement required
1734	by this subsection, the Financial Impact Estimating Conference
1735	shall draft an initiative financial information statement. The
1736	initiative financial information statement should describe in
1737	greater detail than the financial impact statement any projected
1738	increase or decrease in revenues or costs that the state or
1739	local governments would likely experience if the ballot measure
1740	were approved. If appropriate, the initiative financial
1741	information statement may include both estimated dollar amounts
1742	and a description placing the estimated dollar amounts into
1743	context. The initiative financial information statement must
1744	include both a summary of not more than 500 words and additional
1745	detailed information that includes the assumptions that were
1746	made to develop the financial impacts, workpapers, and any other
1747	information deemed relevant by the Financial Impact Estimating
1748	Conference.
1749	4.  The Department of State shall have printed, and shall
1750	furnish to each supervisor of elections, a copy of the summary
1751	from the initiative financial information statements. The
1752	supervisors shall have the summary from the initiative financial
1753	information statements available at each polling place and at
1754	the main office of the supervisor of elections upon request.
1755	5.  The Secretary of State and the Office of Economic and
1756	Demographic Research shall make available on the Internet each
1757	initiative financial information statement in its entirety. In
1758	addition, each supervisor of elections whose office has a
1759	website shall post the summary from each initiative financial
1760	information statement on the website. Each supervisor shall
1761	include the Internet addresses for the information statements on
1762	the Secretary of State's and the Office of Economic and
1763	Demographic Research's websites in the publication or mailing
1764	required by s. 101.20.
1765	(6)(7)  The Department of State may adopt rules in
1766	accordance with s. 120.54 to carry out the provisions of
1767	subsections (1)-(5)(6).
1768	Section 29.  Subsection (3) of section 101.001, Florida
1769	Statutes, is amended to read:
1770	101.001  Precincts and polling places; boundaries.--
1771	(3)  Each supervisor of elections shall maintain a suitable
1772	map drawn to a scale no smaller than 3 miles to the inch and
1773	clearly delineating all major observable features such as roads,
1774	streams, and railway lines and showing the current geographical
1775	boundaries of each precinct, representative district, and
1776	senatorial district, and other type of district in the county
1777	subject to the elections process in this code. On maps of new
1778	precincts, a delineation of area shall also be included for each
1779	precinct employing the official census county divisions, tracts,
1780	block numbering areas, block groups, and blocks used by the
1781	United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, and
1782	adopted by the state for the delineation of representative
1783	districts pursuant to s. 10.00001. The supervisor of elections
1784	shall notify the Secretary of State in writing within 30 days
1785	after of any new reorganization of precincts and shall furnish a
1786	copy of the map showing the current geographical boundaries and
1787	designation of each new precinct and a delineation of the census
1788	blocks included in each precinct.
1789	Section 30.  Subsections (1) and (3) of section 101.043,
1790	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1791	101.043  Identification required at polls.--
1792	(1)  The precinct register, as prescribed in s. 98.461,
1793	shall be used at the polls in lieu of the registration books for
1794	the purpose of identifying the elector at the polls prior to
1795	allowing him or her to vote. The clerk or inspector shall
1796	require each elector, upon entering the polling place, to
1797	present one of the following a current and valid picture
1798	identifications:
1799	(a)  Florida driver's license.
1800	(b)  Florida identification card issued by the Department
1801	of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
1802	(c)  United States passport.
1803	(d)  Employee badge or identification.
1804	(e)  Buyer's club identification.
1805	(f)  Debit or credit card.
1806	(g)  Military identification.
1807	(h)  Student identification.
1808	(i)  Retirement center identification.
1809	(j)  Neighborhood association identification.
1810	(k)  Entertainment identification.
1811	(l)  Public assistance identification as provided in s.
1812	97.0535(3)(a).
1813
1814	If the picture identification does not contain the signature of
1815	the voter, an additional identification that provides the
1816	voter's signature shall be required. The elector shall sign his
1817	or her name in the space provided on the precinct register or on
1818	an electronic device provided for recording the voter's
1819	signature., and The clerk or inspector shall compare the
1820	signature with that on the identification provided by the
1821	elector and enter his or her initials in the space provided on
1822	the precinct register or on an electronic device provided for
1823	that purpose and allow the elector to vote if the clerk or
1824	inspector is satisfied as to the identity of the elector.
1825	(3)  If the elector who fails to furnish the required
1826	identification is an elector subject to s. 97.0535 a first-time
1827	voter who registered by mail and has not provided the required
1828	identification to a voter registration official the supervisor
1829	of elections prior to election day, the elector shall be allowed
1830	to vote a provisional ballot. The canvassing board shall
1831	determine the validity of the ballot pursuant to s. 101.048(2).
1832	Section 31.  Subsections (2) and (3) of section 101.045,
1833	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1834	101.045  Electors must be registered in precinct;
1835	provisions for residence or name change.--
1836	(2)(a)  An elector who moves from the precinct within the
1837	county in which the elector is registered may be permitted to
1838	vote in the precinct to which he or she has moved his or her
1839	legal residence, provided such elector completes an affirmation
1840	in substantially the following form:
1841
1842	Change of Legal Residence of Registered
1843	Voter
1844
1845	Under penalties for false swearing, I,   (Name of voter)  ,
1846	swear (or affirm) that the former address of my legal residence
1847	was   (Address of legal residence)   in the municipality of
1848	_____, in _____ County, Florida, and I was registered to vote in
1849	the _____ precinct of _____ County, Florida; that I have not
1850	voted in the precinct of my former registration in this
1851	election; that I now reside at   (Address of legal residence)
1852	in the Municipality of _____, in _____ County, Florida, and am
1853	therefore eligible to vote in the _____ precinct of _____
1854	County, Florida; and I further swear (or affirm) that I am
1855	otherwise legally registered and entitled to vote.
1856
1857	(Signature of voter whose address of legal residence has
1858	changed)
1859
1860	(b)  An elector whose name changes because of marriage or
1861	other legal process may be permitted to vote, provided such
1862	elector completes an affirmation in substantially the following
1863	form:
1864
1865	Change of Name of Registered
1866	Voter
1867
1868	Under penalties for false swearing, I,   (New name of voter)  ,
1869	swear (or affirm) that my name has been changed because of
1870	marriage or other legal process. My former name and address of
1871	legal residence appear on the registration records books of
1872	precinct _____ as follows:
1873	Name
1874	Address
1875	Municipality
1876	County
1877	Florida, Zip
1878	My present name and address of legal residence are as follows:
1879	Name
1880	Address
1881	Municipality
1882	County
1883	Florida, Zip
1884	and I further swear (or affirm) that I am otherwise legally
1885	registered and entitled to vote.
1886
1887	(Signature of voter whose name has changed)
1888
1889	(c)  Such affirmation, when completed and presented at the
1890	precinct in which such elector is entitled to vote, and upon
1891	verification of the elector's registration, shall entitle such
1892	elector to vote as provided in this subsection. If the elector's
1893	eligibility to vote cannot be determined, he or she shall be
1894	entitled to vote a provisional ballot, subject to the
1895	requirements and procedures in s. 101.048. Upon receipt of an
1896	affirmation certifying a change in address of legal residence or
1897	name, the supervisor shall as soon as practicable make the
1898	necessary changes in the statewide voter registration system
1899	records of the county to indicate the change in address of legal
1900	residence or name of such elector.
1901	(d)  Instead of the affirmation contained in paragraph (a)
1902	or paragraph (b), an elector may complete a voter registration
1903	application that indicates the change of name or change of
1904	address of legal residence.
1905	(e)  A request for an absentee ballot pursuant to s. 101.62
1906	which indicates that the elector has had a change of address of
1907	legal residence from that in the supervisor's records shall be
1908	sufficient as the notice to the supervisor of change of address
1909	of legal residence required by this section. Upon receipt of
1910	such request for an absentee ballot from an elector who has
1911	changed his or her address of legal residence, the supervisor
1912	shall provide the elector with the proper ballot for the
1913	precinct in which the elector then has his or her legal
1914	residence.
1915	(3)  When an elector's name does not appear on the
1916	registration books of the election precinct in which the elector
1917	is registered, the elector may have his or her name restored if
1918	the supervisor is otherwise satisfied that the elector is
1919	validly registered, that the elector's name has been erroneously
1920	omitted from the books, and that the elector is entitled to have
1921	his or her name restored. The supervisor, if he or she is
1922	satisfied as to the elector's previous registration, shall allow
1923	such person to vote and shall thereafter issue a duplicate
1924	registration identification card.
1925	Section 32.  Subsection (1) of section 101.048, Florida
1926	Statutes, is amended to read:
1927	101.048  Provisional ballots.--
1928	(1)  At all elections, a voter claiming to be properly
1929	registered in the state county and eligible to vote at the
1930	precinct in the election, but whose eligibility cannot be
1931	determined, and other persons specified in the code shall be
1932	entitled to vote a provisional ballot. Once voted, the
1933	provisional ballot shall be placed in a secrecy envelope and
1934	thereafter sealed in a provisional ballot envelope. The
1935	provisional ballot shall be deposited in a ballot box. All
1936	provisional ballots shall remain sealed in their envelopes for
1937	return to the supervisor of elections. The department shall
1938	prescribe the form of the provisional ballot envelope.
1939	Section 33.  Subsection (1) of section 101.161, Florida
1940	Statutes, is amended to read:
1941	101.161  Referenda; ballots.--
1942	(1)  Whenever a constitutional amendment or other public
1943	measure is submitted to the vote of the people, the substance of
1944	such amendment or other public measure shall be printed in clear
1945	and unambiguous language on the ballot after the list of
1946	candidates, followed by the word "yes" and also by the word
1947	"no," and shall be styled in such a manner that a "yes" vote
1948	will indicate approval of the proposal and a "no" vote will
1949	indicate rejection. The wording of the substance of the
1950	amendment or other public measure and the ballot title to appear
1951	on the ballot shall be embodied in the joint resolution,
1952	constitutional revision commission proposal, constitutional
1953	convention proposal, taxation and budget reform commission
1954	proposal, or enabling resolution or ordinance. Except for
1955	amendments and ballot language proposed by joint resolution, the
1956	substance of the amendment or other public measure shall be an
1957	explanatory statement, not exceeding 75 words in length, of the
1958	chief purpose of the measure. In addition, for every amendment
1959	proposed by initiative, the ballot shall include, following the
1960	ballot summary, a separate financial impact statement concerning
1961	the measure prepared by the Financial Impact Estimating
1962	Conference in accordance with s. 100.371(5)(6). The ballot title
1963	shall consist of a caption, not exceeding 15 words in length, by
1964	which the measure is commonly referred to or spoken of.
1965	Section 34.  Subsection (1) of section 101.5608, Florida
1966	Statutes, is amended to read:
1967	101.5608  Voting by electronic or electromechanical method;
1968	procedures.--
1969	(1)  Each elector desiring to vote shall be identified to
1970	the clerk or inspector of the election as a duly qualified
1971	elector of such election and shall sign his or her name on the
1972	in ink or indelible pencil to an identification blank, signature
1973	slip, precinct register, or other form or device provided by the
1974	supervisor ballot stub on which the ballot serial number may be
1975	recorded. The inspector shall compare the signature with the
1976	signature on the identification provided by the elector. If the
1977	inspector is reasonably sure that the person is entitled to
1978	vote, the inspector shall provide the person with a ballot.
1979	Section 35.  Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of section
1980	101.62, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1981	101.62  Request for absentee ballots.--
1982	(4)(a)  To each absent qualified elector overseas who has
1983	requested an absentee ballot, the supervisor of elections shall,
1984	not fewer than 35 days before the first primary election, mail
1985	an absentee ballot. Not fewer than 45 days before the second
1986	primary and general election, the supervisor of elections shall
1987	mail an advance absentee ballot to those persons requesting
1988	ballots for such elections. The advance absentee ballot for the
1989	second primary shall be the same as the first primary absentee
1990	ballot as to the names of candidates, except that for any
1991	offices where there are only two candidates, those offices and
1992	all political party executive committee offices shall be
1993	omitted. Except as provided in ss. 99.063(4) and 100.371(5)(6),
1994	the advance absentee ballot for the general election shall be as
1995	specified in s. 101.151, except that in the case of candidates
1996	of political parties where nominations were not made in the
1997	first primary, the names of the candidates placing first and
1998	second in the first primary election shall be printed on the
1999	advance absentee ballot. The advance absentee ballot or advance
2000	absentee ballot information booklet shall be of a different
2001	color for each election and also a different color from the
2002	absentee ballots for the first primary, second primary, and
2003	general election. The supervisor shall mail an advance absentee
2004	ballot for the second primary and general election to each
2005	qualified absent elector for whom a request is received until
2006	the absentee ballots are printed. The supervisor shall enclose
2007	with the advance second primary absentee ballot and advance
2008	general election absentee ballot an explanation stating that the
2009	absentee ballot for the election will be mailed as soon as it is
2010	printed; and, if both the advance absentee ballot and the
2011	absentee ballot for the election are returned in time to be
2012	counted, only the absentee ballot will be counted. The
2013	Department of State may prescribe by rule the requirements for
2014	preparing and mailing absentee ballots to absent qualified
2015	electors overseas.
2016	Section 36.  Section 101.663, Florida Statutes, is amended
2017	to read:
2018	101.663  Electors; change of residence to another state.--
2019	(1)  An elector who changes his or her residence to another
2020	county in Florida from the county in Florida in which he or she
2021	is registered as an elector after the books in the county to
2022	which the elector has changed his or her residence are closed
2023	for any general, primary, or special election shall be permitted
2024	to vote absentee in the county of his or her former residence in
2025	that election for President and Vice President, United States
2026	Senator, statewide offices, and statewide issues. Such person
2027	shall not be permitted to vote in the county of the person's
2028	former residence after the general election.
2029	(2)  An elector registered in this state who moves his or
2030	her permanent residence to another state and who is prohibited
2031	by the laws of that state from voting for the offices of
2032	President and Vice President of the United States shall be
2033	permitted to vote absentee in the county of his or her former
2034	residence for those offices.
2035	Section 37.  Subsection (1) of section 101.6921, Florida
2036	Statutes, is amended to read:
2037	101.6921  Delivery of special absentee ballot to certain
2038	first-time voters.--
2039	(1)  The provisions of this section apply to voters who are
2040	subject to the provisions of s. 97.0535 registered to vote by
2041	mail, who have not previously voted in the county, and who have
2042	not provided the identification or certification required by s.
2043	97.0535 by the time the absentee ballot is mailed.
2044	Section 38.  Section 101.6923, Florida Statutes, is amended
2045	to read:
2046	101.6923  Special absentee ballot instructions for certain
2047	first-time voters.--
2048	(1)  The provisions of this section apply to voters who are
2049	subject to the provisions of s. 97.0535 registered to vote by
2050	mail, who have not previously voted in the county, and who have
2051	not provided the identification or information required by s.
2052	97.0535 by the time the absentee ballot is mailed.
2053	(2)  A voter covered by this section shall be provided with
2054	the following printed instructions with his or her absentee
2055	ballot in substantially the following form:
2056
2057	READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE MARKING YOUR
2058	BALLOT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY CAUSE
2059	YOUR BALLOT NOT TO COUNT.
2060
2061	1.  In order to ensure that your absentee ballot will be
2062	counted, it should be completed and returned as soon as possible
2063	so that it can reach the supervisor of elections of the county
2064	in which your precinct is located no later than 7 p.m. on the
2065	date of the election.
2066	2.  Mark your ballot in secret as instructed on the ballot.
2067	You must mark your own ballot unless you are unable to do so
2068	because of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write.
2069	3.  Mark only the number of candidates or issue choices for
2070	a race as indicated on the ballot. If you are allowed to "Vote
2071	for One" candidate and you vote for more than one, your vote in
2072	that race will not be counted.
2073	4.  Place your marked ballot in the enclosed secrecy
2074	envelope and seal the envelope.
2075	5.  Insert the secrecy envelope into the enclosed envelope
2076	bearing the Voter's Certificate. Seal the envelope and
2077	completely fill out the Voter's Certificate on the back of the
2078	envelope.
2079	a.  You must sign your name on the line above (Voter's
2080	Signature).
2081	b.  If you are an overseas voter, you must include the date
2082	you signed the Voter's Certificate on the line above (Date) or
2083	your ballot may not be counted.
2084	6.  Unless you meet one of the exemptions in Item 7., you
2085	must make a copy of one of the following forms of
2086	identification:
2087	a.  Identification which must include your name and
2088	photograph: current and valid Florida driver's license; Florida
2089	identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety
2090	and Motor Vehicles; United States passport; employee badge or
2091	identification; buyer's club identification card; debit or
2092	credit card; military identification; student identification;
2093	retirement center identification; neighborhood association
2094	identification; entertainment identification; or public
2095	assistance identification; or
2096	b.  Identification which shows your name and current
2097	residence address: current utility bill, bank statement,
2098	government check, paycheck, or government document (excluding
2099	voter identification card).
2100	7.  The identification requirements of Item 6. do not apply
2101	if you meet one of the following requirements:
2102	a.  You are 65 years of age or older.
2103	b.  You have a temporary or permanent physical disability.
2104	c.  You are a member of a uniformed service on active duty
2105	who, by reason of such active duty, will be absent from the
2106	county on election day.
2107	d.  You are a member of the Merchant Marine who, by reason
2108	of service in the Merchant Marine, will be absent from the
2109	county on election day.
2110	e.  You are the spouse or dependent of a member referred to
2111	in paragraph c. or paragraph d. who, by reason of the active
2112	duty or service of the member, will be absent from the county on
2113	election day.
2114	f.  You are currently residing outside the United States.
2115	8.  Place the envelope bearing the Voter's Certificate into
2116	the mailing envelope addressed to the supervisor. Insert a copy
2117	of your identification in the mailing envelope. DO NOT PUT YOUR
2118	IDENTIFICATION INSIDE THE SECRECY ENVELOPE WITH THE BALLOT OR
2119	INSIDE THE ENVELOPE WHICH BEARS THE VOTER'S CERTIFICATE OR YOUR
2120	BALLOT WILL NOT COUNT.
2121	9.  Mail, deliver, or have delivered the completed mailing
2122	envelope. Be sure there is sufficient postage if mailed.
2123	10.  FELONY NOTICE. It is a felony under Florida law to
2124	accept any gift, payment, or gratuity in exchange for your vote
2125	for a candidate. It is also a felony under Florida law to vote
2126	in an election using a false identity or false address, or under
2127	any other circumstances making your ballot false or fraudulent.
2128	Section 39.  Subsection (3) of section 102.012, Florida
2129	Statutes, is amended to read:
2130	102.012  Inspectors and clerks to conduct elections.--
2131	(3)  The supervisor shall furnish inspectors of election
2132	for each precinct with the list of registered electors for that
2133	precinct registration books divided alphabetically as will best
2134	facilitate the holding of an election. The supervisor shall also
2135	furnish to the inspectors of election at the polling place at
2136	each precinct in the supervisor's county a sufficient number of
2137	forms and blanks for use on election day.
2138	Section 40.  Section 102.151, Florida Statutes, is amended
2139	to read:
2140	102.151  County canvassing board to issue certificates;
2141	supervisor to give notice to Department of State.--
2142	(1)  The county canvassing board shall make and sign
2143	duplicate certificates containing the total number of votes cast
2144	for each person nominated or elected, the names of persons for
2145	whom such votes were cast, and the number of votes cast for each
2146	candidate or nominee. One of such certificates which relates to
2147	offices for which the candidates or nominees have been voted for
2148	in more than one county shall be immediately transmitted to the
2149	Department of State, and the second copy filed in the
2150	supervisor's office. The supervisor shall transmit to the
2151	Department of State, immediately after the county canvassing
2152	board has canvassed the returns of the election, a list
2153	containing the names of all county and district officers
2154	nominated or elected, the office for which each was nominated or
2155	elected, and the mailing address of each.
2156	(2)  The county canvassing board shall record and transmit
2157	to the Department of State by electronically readable means the
2158	total number of votes cast for each person nominated or elected,
2159	the names of persons for whom such votes were cast, the number
2160	of votes cast for each candidate or nominee, and the number of
2161	people not voting for any candidate. This information shall give
2162	the total numbers by precinct and specify whether votes were
2163	cast at the poll, by absentee ballot, or by early voting. In the
2164	event that less than 10 electors are recorded to have voted for
2165	any person nominated or elected by any method of voting in a
2166	precinct, the numbers of votes for each candidate for that
2167	precinct shall be combined with an adjoining precinct to
2168	preserve the secrecy of the ballot.
2169	Section 41.  Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section
2170	104.013, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
2171	104.013  Unauthorized use, possession, or destruction of
2172	voter information registration identification card.--
2173	(1)  It is unlawful for any person knowingly to have in his
2174	or her possession any blank, forged, stolen, fictitious,
2175	counterfeit, or unlawfully issued voter information registration
2176	identification card unless possession by such person has been
2177	duly authorized by the supervisor.
2178	(2)  It is unlawful for any person to barter, trade, sell,
2179	or give away a voter information registration identification
2180	card unless said person has been duly authorized to issue a
2181	voter information registration identification card.
2182	(3)  It is unlawful for any person willfully to destroy or
2183	deface the information registration identification card of a
2184	duly registered voter.
2185	Section 42.  Subsection (5) is added to section 104.051,
2186	Florida Statutes, to read:
2187	104.051  Violations; neglect of duty; corrupt practices.--
2188	(5)(a)  Any supervisor or member of a county canvassing
2189	board who willfully fails to follow a binding directive issued
2190	pursuant to s. 97.012 shall be subject to a civil penalty of up
2191	to $1,000 per violation, which fine shall be paid out of the
2192	personal funds of the supervisor or member of the county
2193	canvassing board. Only the Secretary of State may file a
2194	complaint to the Florida Elections Commission alleging willful
2195	failure to follow a binding directive.
2196	(b)  A member of a canvassing board shall not be liable for
2197	a civil penalty under this section if the member was not on the
2198	prevailing side of a vote of the canvassing board that is
2199	contrary to a binding directive.
2200	(c)  The Senate in its discretion may review and modify any
2201	civil penalty imposed by the Florida Elections Commission for
2202	failure to follow a binding directive during the next regular
2203	legislative session occurring within 1 year after the date that
2204	the penalty was imposed.
2205	Section 43.  Paragraph (d) is added to subsection (15) of
2206	section 120.52, Florida Statutes, to read:
2207	120.52  Definitions.--As used in this act:
2208	(15)  "Rule" means each agency statement of general
2209	applicability that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or
2210	policy or describes the procedure or practice requirements of an
2211	agency and includes any form which imposes any requirement or
2212	solicits any information not specifically required by statute or
2213	by an existing rule. The term also includes the amendment or
2214	repeal of a rule. The term does not include:
2215	(d)  Advisory opinions issued by the Department of State
2216	pursuant to s. 106.23(2) and directives issued by the Secretary
2217	of State pursuant to s. 97.012(1).
2218	Section 44.  Section 196.141, Florida Statutes, is amended
2219	to read:
2220	196.141  Homestead exemptions; duty of property
2221	appraiser.--
2222	(1)  The property appraiser shall examine each claim for
2223	exemption filed with or referred to him or her and shall allow
2224	the same, if found to be in accordance with law, by marking the
2225	same approved and by making the proper deductions on the tax
2226	books.
2227	(2)  The property appraiser shall examine each referral, of
2228	a person registering to vote at an address different from the
2229	one where the person has filed for a homestead exemption, which
2230	has been provided by a supervisor of elections pursuant to s.
2231	98.015. The property appraiser shall initiate procedures to
2232	terminate a person's homestead exemption and assess back taxes,
2233	if appropriate, if the person claiming such exemption is not
2234	entitled to the exemption under law.
2235	Section 45.  Sections 98.055, 98.095, 98.0977, 98.0979,
2236	98.101, 98.181, 98.231, 98.451, 98.481, and 101.635, Florida
2237	Statutes, are repealed.
2238	Section 46.  Except as otherwise provided herein, this act
2239	shall take effect January 1, 2006.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.