HB 1589

1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to elections; amending s. 97.012, F.S.;
3	revising the duties of the Secretary of State and the
4	Department of State relating to election laws; providing
5	for rulemaking; authorizing the Secretary of State to
6	delegate voter registration and records maintenance duties
7	to voter registration officials; providing that the
8	secretary has a duty to bring legal action to enforce the
9	performance of county supervisors of elections or other
10	officials performing duties relating to the Florida
11	Election Code; providing a prerequisite to bringing such
12	an action; providing venue; requiring that courts give
13	priority to such an action; providing penalties; providing
14	for the adoption of rules; amending s. 97.021, F.S.;
15	revising and providing definitions; amending s. 97.026,
16	F.S.; providing rulemaking authority to make forms
17	available in alternative formats and via the Internet;
18	correcting a cross-reference; amending s. 97.051, F.S.;
19	revising the oath taken by a person registering to vote;
20	amending s. 97.052, F.S.; requiring that the uniform
21	statewide voter registration application be accepted for
22	replacement of a voter information card and signature
23	update; revising the information the uniform statewide
24	voter registration application must contain and must
25	elicit from the applicant; providing for the failure of a
26	voter registration applicant to answer questions on the
27	voter registration application; amending s. 97.053, F.S.;
28	revising the criteria for completeness of a voter
29	registration application; specifying the possible valid
30	recipients of a mailed voter registration application;
31	revising the information needed on a voter registration
32	application to establish an applicant's eligibility;
33	providing for verification of authenticity of certain
34	voter registration application information; providing for
35	a provisional ballot to be provided to an applicant if the
36	application is not verified by a certain date; requiring a
37	voter registration official to enter all voter
38	registration applications into the voter registration
39	system within a certain time period and forward such
40	applications to the supervisor of elections; amending s.
41	97.0535, F.S.; providing for applicants who have no valid
42	Florida driver's license, identification card, or social
43	security number; amending s. 97.055, F.S.; specifying the
44	information updates permitted for purposes of an upcoming
45	election once registration books are closed; amending s.
46	97.057, F.S.; revising the voter registration procedure by
47	the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles;
48	amending s. 97.058, F.S.; revising duties of voter
49	registration agencies; amending s. 97.061, F.S.; revising
50	special registration procedures for electors requiring
51	assistance; amending s. 97.071, F.S.; redesignating the
52	registration identification card as the voter information
53	card; revising the required contents of the card; deleting
54	provisions relating to the second primary; amending s.
55	97.073, F.S.; revising the procedure by which an applicant
56	must supply missing information on the voter registration
57	application; revising provisions relating to cancellation
58	of previous registration; amending s. 97.1031, F.S.;
59	revising provisions relating to notice of change of
60	residence, name, or party affiliation; amending s. 97.105,
61	F.S., relating to establishment of the permanent single
62	registration system, to conform; amending s. 98.015, F.S.;
63	revising the duties of supervisors of elections; creating
64	s. 98.035, F.S.; establishing a statewide voter
65	registration system; requiring the Secretary of State to
66	be responsible for the implementation, operation, and
67	maintenance of the system; prohibiting the department from
68	contracting with any other entity to operate the system;
69	authorizing the department to adopt rules relating to the
70	access, use, and operation of the system; amending s.
71	98.045, F.S.; revising provisions relating to
72	administration of voter registration; providing for the
73	responsibility of such administration to be undertaken by
74	the department in lieu of supervisors of elections;
75	specifying ineligibility criteria; revising provisions
76	relating to removal of registered voters; revising
77	provisions relating to public records access and
78	retention; providing for the establishment of a statewide
79	electronic database of valid residential street addresses;
80	authorizing the department to adopt rules relating to
81	certain voter registration system forms; amending s.
82	98.065, F.S.; revising provisions relating to registration
83	records maintenance; providing for change of address;
84	providing limitations on notice and renewal; requiring
85	supervisors of elections to certify to the department
86	certain list maintenance activities; providing penalties;
87	amending s. 98.075, F.S.; providing for registration
88	records maintenance by the department; providing
89	procedures in cases involving duplicate registration,
90	deceased persons, adjudication of mental incapacity,
91	felony conviction, and other bases for ineligibility;
92	providing procedures for removal; requiring supervisors of
93	elections to certify to the department certain
94	registration records maintenance activities; creating s.
95	98.0755, F.S.; providing for appeal of a determination of
96	ineligibility; providing for jurisdiction, burden of
97	proof, and trial costs; amending s. 98.077, F.S.; revising
98	provisions relating to updating a voter's signature;
99	amending s. 98.081, F.S., relating to removal of names
100	from the statewide voter registration system, to conform;
101	deleting provisions relating to the second primary;
102	amending s. 98.093, F.S.; revising the duty of officials
103	to furnish lists of deceased persons, persons adjudicated
104	mentally incapacitated, and persons convicted of a felony;
105	creating 98.0981, F.S.; requiring the department to
106	furnish certain voter information to the Legislature;
107	amending s. 98.212, F.S., relating to furnishing of
108	statistical and other information, to conform; amending s.
109	98.461, F.S.; authorizing use of an electronic database as
110	a precinct register and use of an electronic device for
111	voter signatures and witness initials; amending s.
112	100.371, F.S.; revising the procedure by which
113	constitutional amendments proposed by initiative shall be
114	placed on the ballot; amending s. 101.001, F.S.; revising
115	requirements of supervisors relating to precincts and
116	precinct boundaries; providing exceptions; amending s.
117	101.043, F.S.; revising requirements and procedures
118	relating to identification required at polls; amending s.
119	101.045, F.S., relating to provisions for residence or
120	name change at the polls, to conform; amending s. 101.048,
121	F.S., relating to provisional ballots, to conform;
122	amending s. 101.161, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference;
123	amending s. 101.56062, F.S., relating to standards for
124	accessible voting systems, to conform;  amending s.
125	101.5608, F.S.; revising a provision relating to an
126	elector's signature provided with identification prior to
127	voting; creating s. 101.573, F.S.; requiring supervisors
128	of elections to file precinct-level election results;
129	requiring the Department of State to adopt rules; amending
130	s. 101.62, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; amending
131	ss. 101.64 and 101.657, F.S.; requiring that the
132	supervisor of elections indicate on each absentee or early
133	voted ballot the precinct of the voter; amending s.
134	101.663, F.S., relating to change of residence, to
135	conform; amending s. 101.6921, F.S., relating to delivery
136	of special absentee ballots to certain first-time voters,
137	to conform; amending s. 101.6923, F.S., relating to
138	special absentee ballot instructions for certain first-
139	time voters, to conform; amending s. 102.012, F.S.,
140	relating to conduct of elections by inspectors and clerks,
141	to conform; amending s. 104.013, F.S., relating to
142	unauthorized use, possession, or destruction of voter
143	information cards, to conform; amending s. 106.0705, F.S.;
144	providing for the timely filing of certain reports;
145	amending s. 106.08; providing for contribution limits to
146	statewide candidates; amending s. 106.33, F.S.; increasing
147	certain contribution limits; amending s. 106.34, F.S.;
148	revising provisions relating to certain candidate
149	expenditure limits; providing a definition; amending s.
150	196.141, F.S., relating to homestead exemptions and duties
151	of property appraisers, to conform; amending s. 120.54,
152	F.S.; including certain rules pertaining to the Florida
153	Election Code within the definition of emergency rules
154	governing public health, safety, or welfare; amending s.
155	99.061, F.S.; providing the method of qualifying for
156	nomination to the office of the state attorney or public
157	defender; amending s. 322.142, F.S.; providing for
158	disclosure of certain confidential driver's license
159	information to the department under certain circumstances;
160	making it a third-degree felony to participate in certain
161	exchanges associated with voting by absentee ballot;
162	repealing s. 104.047(1), F.S., relating to criminal
163	penalties for participation in certain exchanges
164	associated with voting by absentee ballot; repealing s.
165	98.055, F.S., relating to registration list maintenance
166	forms; repealing s. 98.095, F.S., relating to county
167	registers open to inspection and copies; repealing s.
168	98.0977, F.S., relating to the statewide voter
169	registration database and its operation and maintenance;
170	repealing s. 98.0979, F.S., relating to inspection of the
171	statewide voter registration; repealing s. 98.101, F.S.,
172	relating to specifications for permanent registration
173	binders, files, and forms; repealing s. 98.181, F.S.,
174	relating to duty of the supervisor of elections to make up
175	indexes or records; repealing s. 98.231, F.S., relating to
176	duty of the supervisor of elections to furnish the
177	department the number of registered electors; repealing s.
178	98.451, F.S., relating to automation in processing
179	registration data; repealing s. 98.481, F.S., relating to
180	challenges to electors; repealing s. 101.635, F.S.,
181	relating to distribution of blocks of printed ballots;
182	providing effective dates.
183
184	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
185
186	Section 1.  Subsections (1), (2), and (11) of section
187	97.012, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (14) is
188	added to that section, to read:
189	97.012  Secretary of State as chief election officer.--The
190	Secretary of State is the chief election officer of the state,
191	and it is his or her responsibility to:
192	(1)  Obtain and maintain uniformity in the application,
193	operation, and interpretation and implementation of the election
194	laws. In order to obtain and maintain uniformity in the
195	interpretation and implementation of the elections laws, the
196	Department of State may, pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54,
197	adopt by rule uniform standards for the proper and equitable
198	interpretation and implementation of the requirements of
199	chapters 97 through 102 and 105 of the Election Code.
200	(2)  Provide uniform standards for the proper and equitable
201	implementation of the registration laws by administrative rule
202	of the Department of State adopted pursuant to ss. 120.536(1)
203	and 120.54.
204	(11)  Create and administer maintain a statewide voter
205	registration system as required by the Help America Vote Act of
206	2002 database. The secretary may delegate voter registration
207	duties and records maintenance activities to voter registration
208	officials. Any responsibilities delegated by the secretary shall
209	be performed in accordance with state and federal law.
210	(14)  Bring and maintain such actions at law or in equity
211	by mandamus or injunction to enforce the performance of any
212	duties of a county supervisor of elections or any official
213	performing duties with respect to chapters 97 through 102 and
214	105 or to enforce compliance with a rule of the Department of
215	State adopted to interpret or implement any of those chapters.
216	(a)  Venue for such actions shall be in the Circuit Court
217	of Leon County.
218	(b)  When the secretary files an action under this section
219	and not more than 60 days remain before an election as defined
220	in s. 97.021, or during the time period after the election and
221	before certification of the election pursuant to s. 102.112 or
222	s. 102.121, the court, including an appellate court, shall set
223	an immediate hearing, giving the case priority over other
224	pending cases.
225	(c)  Prior to filing an action to enforce performance of
226	the duties of the supervisor of elections or any official
227	described in this subsection, the secretary or his or her
228	designee first must confer, or must make a good-faith attempt to
229	confer, with the supervisor of elections or the official to
230	ensure compliance with chapters 97 through 102 and 105 or the
231	rules of the Department of State adopted under any of those
232	chapters.
233	Section 2.  Subsection (13) of section 97.021, Florida
234	Statutes, is amended, present subsections (38) and (39) are
235	renumbered as subsections (39) and (40), respectively, and a new
236	subsection (38) is added to that section, to read:
237	97.021  Definitions.--For the purposes of this code, except
238	where the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term:
239	(13)  "Lists of registered electors" means names and
240	associated information copies of printed lists of registered
241	electors maintained by the department in the statewide voter
242	registration system or generated or derived from the statewide
243	voter registration system. Lists may be produced in printed or
244	electronic format, computer tapes or disks, or any other device
245	used by the supervisor of elections to maintain voter records.
246	(38)  "Voter registration official" means any supervisor of
247	elections or individual authorized by the Secretary of State to
248	accept voter registration applications and execute updates to
249	the statewide voter registration system.
250	Section 3.  Section 97.026, Florida Statutes, is amended to
251	read:
252	97.026  Forms to be available in alternative formats and
253	via the Internet.--It is the intent of the Legislature that all
254	forms required to be used in chapters 97-106 shall be made
255	available upon request, in alternative formats. Such forms shall
256	include absentee ballots as alternative formats for such ballots
257	become available and the Division of Elections is able to
258	certify systems that provide them. The department may, pursuant
259	to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, adopt rules to administer this
260	section. Whenever possible, such forms, with the exception of
261	absentee ballots, shall be made available by the Department of
262	State via the Internet. Sections that contain such forms
263	include, but are not limited to, ss. 97.051, 97.052, 97.053,
264	97.057, 97.058, 97.0583, 97.071, 97.073, 97.1031, 98.055,
265	98.075, 99.021, 100.361, 100.371, 101.045, 101.171, 101.20,
266	101.6103, 101.62, 101.64, 101.65, 101.657, 105.031, 106.023, and
267	106.087.
268	Section 4.  Section 97.051, Florida Statutes, is amended to
269	read:
270	97.051  Oath upon registering.--A person registering to
271	vote must subscribe to the following oath: "I do solemnly swear
272	(or affirm) that I will protect and defend the Constitution of
273	the United States and the Constitution of the State of Florida,
274	that I am qualified to register as an elector under the
275	Constitution and laws of the State of Florida, and that all
276	information provided in this application is true I am a citizen
277	of the United States and a legal resident of Florida."
278	Section 5.  Section 97.052, Florida Statutes, is amended to
279	read:
280	97.052  Uniform statewide voter registration application.--
281	(1)  The department shall prescribe by rule a uniform
282	statewide voter registration application for use in this state.
283	(a)  The uniform statewide voter registration application
284	must be accepted for any one or more of the following purposes:
285	1.  Initial registration.
286	2.  Change of address.
287	3.  Change of party affiliation.
288	4.  Change of name.
289	5.  Replacement of a voter information registration
290	identification card.
291	6.  Signature update.
292	(b)  The department is responsible for printing the uniform
293	statewide voter registration application and the voter
294	registration application form prescribed by the Federal Election
295	Assistance Commission pursuant to federal law the National Voter
296	Registration Act of 1993. The applications and forms must be
297	distributed, upon request, to the following:
298	1.  Individuals seeking to register to vote or update a
299	voter registration record.
300	2.  Individuals or groups conducting voter registration
301	programs. A charge of 1 cent per application shall be assessed
302	on requests for 10,000 or more applications.
303	3.  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
304	4.  Voter registration agencies.
305	5.  Armed forces recruitment offices.
306	6.  Qualifying educational institutions.
307	7.  Supervisors, who must make the applications and forms
308	available in the following manner:
309	a.  By distributing the applications and forms in their
310	offices to any individual or group.
311	b.  By distributing the applications and forms at other
312	locations designated by each supervisor.
313	c.  By mailing the applications and forms to applicants
314	upon the request of the applicant.
315	(c)  The uniform statewide voter registration application
316	may be reproduced by any private individual or group, provided
317	the reproduced application is in the same format as the
318	application prescribed by rule under this section.
319	(2)  The uniform statewide voter registration application
320	must be designed to elicit the following information from the
321	applicant:
322	(a)  Last, first, and middle Full name, including any
323	suffix.
324	(b)  Date of birth.
325	(c)  Address of legal residence.
326	(d)  Mailing address, if different.
327	(e)  County of legal residence.
328	(f)  Address of property for which the applicant has been
329	granted a homestead exemption, if any.
330	(f)(g)  Race or ethnicity that best describes the
331	applicant:
332	1.  American Indian or Alaskan Native.
333	2.  Asian or Pacific Islander.
334	3.  Black, not Hispanic.
335	4.  White, not Hispanic.
336	5.  Hispanic.
337	(g)(h)  State or country of birth.
338	(h)(i)  Sex.
339	(i)(j)  Party affiliation.
340	(j)(k)  Whether the applicant needs assistance in voting.
341	(k)(l)  Name and address where last registered.
342	(l)(m)  Last four digits of the applicant's social security
343	number.
344	(m)(n)  Florida driver's license number or the
345	identification number from a Florida identification card issued
346	under s. 322.051.
347	(n)  An indication, if applicable, that the applicant has
348	not been issued a Florida driver's license, a Florida
349	identification card, or a social security number.
350	(o)  Telephone number (optional).
351	(p)  Signature of applicant under penalty for false
352	swearing pursuant to s. 104.011, by which the person subscribes
353	to the oath required by s. 3, Art. VI of the State Constitution
354	and s. 97.051, and swears or affirms that the information
355	contained in the registration application is true.
356	(q)  Whether the application is being used for initial
357	registration, to update a voter registration record, or to
358	request a replacement voter information registration
359	identification card.
360	(r)  Whether the applicant is a citizen of the United
361	States by asking the question "Are you a citizen of the United
362	States of America?" and providing boxes for the applicant to
363	check to indicate whether the applicant is or is not a citizen
364	of the United States.
365	(s)  Whether That the applicant has not been convicted of a
366	felony, and or, if convicted, has had his or her civil rights
367	restored by including the statement "I affirm I am not a
368	convicted felon or, if I am, my rights relating to voting have
369	been restored." and providing a box for the applicant to check
370	to affirm the statement.
371	(t)  Whether That the applicant has not been adjudicated
372	mentally incapacitated with respect to voting or, if so
373	adjudicated, has had his or her right to vote restored by
374	including the statement "I affirm I have not been adjudicated
375	mentally incapacitated with respect to voting or, if I have, my
376	competency has been restored." and providing a box for the
377	applicant to check to affirm the statement.
378
379	The registration application form must be in plain language and
380	designed so that convicted felons whose civil rights have been
381	restored and persons who have been adjudicated mentally
382	incapacitated and have had their voting rights restored are not
383	required to reveal their prior conviction or adjudication.
384	(3)  The uniform statewide voter registration application
385	must also contain:
386	(a)  The oath required by s. 3, Art. VI of the State
387	Constitution and s. 97.051.
388	(b)  A statement specifying each eligibility requirement
389	under s. 97.041.
390	(c)  The penalties provided in s. 104.011 for false
391	swearing in connection with voter registration.
392	(d)  A statement that, if an applicant declines to register
393	to vote, the fact that the applicant has declined to register
394	will remain confidential and may be used only for voter
395	registration purposes.
396	(e)  A statement that informs the applicant who chooses to
397	register to vote or update a voter registration record that the
398	office at which the applicant submits a voter registration
399	application or updates a voter registration record will remain
400	confidential and may be used only for voter registration
401	purposes.
402	(f)  A statement that informs the applicant that any person
403	who has been granted a homestead exemption in this state, and
404	who registers to vote in any precinct other than the one in
405	which the property for which the homestead exemption has been
406	granted, shall have that information forwarded to the property
407	appraiser where such property is located, which may result in
408	the person's homestead exemption being terminated and the person
409	being subject to assessment of back taxes under s. 193.092,
410	unless the homestead granted the exemption is being maintained
411	as the permanent residence of a legal or natural dependent of
412	the owner and the owner resides elsewhere.
413	(f)(g)  A statement informing an the applicant who has not
414	been issued a Florida driver's license, a Florida identification
415	card, or a social security number that if the application form
416	is submitted by mail and the applicant is registering for the
417	first time in this state, the applicant will be required to
418	provide identification prior to voting the first time.
419	(4)  A supervisor may produce a voter registration
420	application that has the supervisor's direct mailing address if
421	the department has reviewed the application and determined that
422	it is substantially the same as the uniform statewide voter
423	registration application.
424	(5)  The voter registration application form prescribed by
425	the Federal Election Assistance Commission pursuant to federal
426	law the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 or the federal
427	postcard application must be accepted as an application for
428	registration in this state if the completed application or
429	postcard application contains the information required by the
430	constitution and laws of this state.
431	(6)  If a voter registration applicant fails to provide any
432	of the required information on the voter registration
433	application form, the supervisor shall notify the applicant of
434	the failure by mail within 5 business days after the supervisor
435	has the information available in the voter registration system.
436	The applicant shall have an opportunity to complete the
437	application form to vote in the next election up until the book
438	closing for that next election.
439	Section 6.  Section 97.053, Florida Statutes, is amended to
440	read:
441	97.053  Acceptance of voter registration applications.--
442	(1)  Voter registration applications, changes in
443	registration, and requests for a replacement voter information
444	registration identification card must be accepted in the office
445	of any supervisor, the division, a driver license office, a
446	voter registration agency, or an armed forces recruitment office
447	when hand delivered by the applicant or a third party during the
448	hours that office is open or when mailed.
449	(2)  A completed voter registration application is complete
450	and that contains the information necessary to establish an
451	applicant's eligibility pursuant to s. 97.041 becomes the
452	official voter registration record of that applicant when all
453	information necessary to establish the applicant's eligibility
454	pursuant to s. 97.041 is received by a voter registration
455	official and verified pursuant to subsection (6) the appropriate
456	supervisor. If the applicant fails to complete his or her voter
457	registration application prior to the date of book closing for
458	an election, then such applicant shall not be eligible to vote
459	in that election.
460	(3)  The registration date for a valid initial voter
461	registration application that has been hand delivered is the
462	date that the application is when received by a driver license
463	office, a voter registration agency, an armed forces recruitment
464	office, the division, or the office of any supervisor in the
465	state.
466	(4)  The registration date for a valid initial voter
467	registration application that has been mailed to a driver
468	license office, a voter registration agency, an armed forces
469	recruitment office, the division, or the office of any
470	supervisor in the state and bears a clear postmark is the date
471	of that the postmark. If an initial voter registration
472	application that has been mailed does not bear a postmark or if
473	the postmark is unclear, the registration date is the date the
474	application registration is received by any supervisor or the
475	division, unless it is received within 5 days after the closing
476	of the books for an election, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and
477	legal holidays, in which case the registration date is the book-
478	closing date.
479	(5)(a)  A voter registration application is complete if it
480	contains the following information necessary to establish the
481	applicant's eligibility pursuant to s. 97.041, including:
482	1.  The applicant's name.
483	2.  The applicant's legal residence address.
484	3.  The applicant's date of birth.
485	4.  A mark in the checkbox affirming An indication that the
486	applicant is a citizen of the United States.
487	5.a.  The applicant's current and valid Florida driver's
488	license number or, the identification number from a Florida
489	identification card issued under s. 322.051, or
490	b.  If the applicant has not been issued a current and
491	valid Florida driver's license or a Florida identification card,
492	the last four digits of the applicant's social security number.
493
494	In case an applicant has not been issued a current and valid
495	Florida driver's license, Florida identification card, or social
496	security number, the applicant shall affirm this fact in the
497	manner prescribed in the uniform statewide voter registration
498	application.
499	6.  A mark in the checkbox affirming An indication that the
500	applicant has not been convicted of a felony or that, if
501	convicted, has had his or her civil rights restored.
502	7.  A mark in the checkbox affirming An indication that the
503	applicant has not been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with
504	respect to voting or that, if so adjudicated, has had his or her
505	right to vote restored.
506	8.  The original signature or a digital signature
507	transmitted by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
508	Vehicles of the applicant swearing or affirming under the
509	penalty for false swearing pursuant to s. 104.011 that the
510	information contained in the registration application is true
511	and subscribing to the oath required by s. 3, Art. VI of the
512	State Constitution and s. 97.051.
513	(b)  An applicant who fails to designate party affiliation
514	must be registered without party affiliation. The supervisor
515	must notify the voter by mail that the voter has been registered
516	without party affiliation and that the voter may change party
517	affiliation as provided in s. 97.1031.
518	(6)  A voter registration application may be accepted as
519	valid only after the department has verified the authenticity or
520	nonexistence of the driver's license number, the Florida
521	identification card number, or the last four digits of the
522	social security number provided by the applicant. If a completed
523	voter registration application has been received by the book-
524	closing deadline but the driver's license number, the Florida
525	identification card number, or the last four digits of the
526	social security number provided by the applicant cannot be
527	verified prior to the applicant presenting himself or herself to
528	vote, the applicant shall be provided a provisional ballot. The
529	provisional ballot shall be counted only if the application is
530	verified by the end of the canvassing period or if the applicant
531	presents evidence to the supervisor of elections sufficient to
532	verify the authenticity of the driver's license number, Florida
533	identification card number, or last four digits of the social
534	security number provided on the application no later than 5 p.m.
535	of the third day following the election.
536	(7)  All voter registration applications received by a
537	voter registration official shall be entered into the statewide
538	voter registration system within 15 days after receipt. Once
539	entered, the application shall be immediately forwarded to the
540	appropriate supervisor of elections.
541	Section 7.  Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section
542	97.0535, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
543	97.0535  Special requirements for certain applicants.--
544	(1)  Each applicant who registers by mail and who has never
545	previously voted in the state and who the department has
546	verified has not been issued a current and valid Florida
547	driver's license, Florida identification card, or social
548	security number county shall be required to provide a copy of a
549	current and valid identification, as provided in subsection (3),
550	or indicate that he or she is exempt from the requirements prior
551	to voting. Such The applicant may provide the identification or
552	indication may be provided at the time of registering, or at any
553	time prior to voting for the first time in the state county. If
554	the voter registration application clearly provides information
555	from which a voter registration official the supervisor can
556	determine that the applicant meets at least one of the
557	exemptions in subsection (4), the voter registration official
558	supervisor shall make the notation on the registration records
559	of the statewide voter registration system and the applicant
560	shall not be required to provide the identification required by
561	this section further information that is required of first time
562	voters who register by mail.
563	(2)  The voter registration official supervisor of
564	elections shall, upon accepting the voter registration
565	application submitted pursuant to subsection (1) for an
566	applicant who registered by mail and who has not previously
567	voted in the county, determine if the applicant provided the
568	required identification at the time of registering. If the
569	required identification was not provided, the supervisor shall
570	notify the applicant that he or she must provide the
571	identification prior to voting the first time in the state
572	county.
573	(3)(a)  The following forms of identification shall be
574	considered current and valid if they contain the name and
575	photograph of the applicant and have not expired:
576	1.  Florida driver's license.
577	2.  Florida identification card issued by the Department of
578	Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
579	1.3.  United States passport.
580	2.4.  Employee badge or identification.
581	3.5.  Buyer's club identification.
582	4.6.  Debit or credit card.
583	5.7.  Military identification.
584	6.8.  Student identification.
585	7.9.  Retirement center identification.
586	8.10.  Neighborhood association identification.
587	11.  Entertainment identification.
588	9.12.  Public assistance identification.
589	(b)  The following forms of identification shall be
590	considered current and valid if they contain the name and
591	current residence address of the applicant:
592	1.  Utility bill.
593	2.  Bank statement.
594	3.  Government check.
595	4.  Paycheck.
596	5.  Other government document (excluding voter
597	identification card).
598	Section 8.  Subsection (1) of section 97.055, Florida
599	Statutes, is amended to read:
600	97.055  Registration books; when closed for an election.--
601	(1)  The registration books must be closed on the 29th day
602	before each election and must remain closed until after that
603	election. If an election is called and there are fewer than 29
604	days before that election, the registration books must be closed
605	immediately. When the registration books are closed for an
606	election, only updates to a voter's name, address, and signature
607	pursuant to ss. 98.077 and 101.045 will be permitted for
608	purposes of the upcoming election. Voter registration
609	applications and party changes must be accepted but only for the
610	purpose of subsequent elections. However, party changes received
611	between the book-closing date of the first primary election and
612	the date of the second primary election are not effective until
613	after the second primary election.
614	Section 9.  Section 97.057, Florida Statutes, is amended to
615	read:
616	97.057  Voter registration by the Department of Highway
617	Safety and Motor Vehicles.--
618	(1)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
619	shall provide the opportunity to register to vote or to update a
620	voter registration record to each individual who comes to an
621	office of that department to:
622	(a)  Apply for or renew a driver's license;
623	(b)  Apply for or renew an identification card pursuant to
624	chapter 322; or
625	(c)  Change an address on an existing driver's license or
626	identification card.
627	(2)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
628	shall:
629	(a)  Notify each individual, orally or in writing, that:
630	1.  Information gathered for the completion of a driver's
631	license or identification card application, renewal, or change
632	of address can be automatically transferred to a voter
633	registration application;
634	2.  If additional information and a signature are provided,
635	the voter registration application will be completed and sent to
636	the proper election authority;
637	3.  Information provided can also be used to update a voter
638	registration record;
639	4.  All declinations will remain confidential and may be
640	used only for voter registration purposes; and
641	5.  The particular driver license office in which the
642	person applies to register to vote or updates a voter
643	registration record will remain confidential and may be used
644	only for voter registration purposes.
645	(b)  Require a driver's license examiner to inquire orally,
646	or, if the applicant is hearing impaired, inquire in writing if
647	the applicant is hearing impaired, and whether the applicant
648	wishes to register to vote or update a voter registration record
649	during the completion of a driver's license or identification
650	card application, renewal, or change of address.
651	1.  If the applicant chooses to register to vote or to
652	update a voter registration record:
653	a.  All applicable information received by the Department
654	of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in the course of filling
655	out the forms necessary under subsection (1) must be transferred
656	to a voter registration application.;
657	b.  The additional necessary information must be obtained
658	by the driver's license examiner and must not duplicate any
659	information already obtained while completing the forms required
660	under subsection (1).; and
661	c.  A voter registration application with all of the
662	applicant's voter registration information required to establish
663	the applicant's eligibility pursuant to s. 97.041 must be
664	presented to the applicant to review and verify the voter
665	registration information received and provide an electronic
666	signature affirming the accuracy of the information provided
667	sign.
668	2.  If the applicant declines to register to vote, update
669	the applicant's voter registration record, or change the
670	applicant's address by either orally declining or by failing to
671	sign the voter registration application, the Department of
672	Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles must note such declination on
673	its records and shall forward the declination to the statewide
674	voter registration system keep the declination for 2 years but
675	must forward a copy of the unsigned voter registration
676	application within 5 days after receipt to the appropriate
677	supervisor of elections.
678	(3)  For the purpose of this section, the Department of
679	Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with the approval of the
680	Department of State, shall prescribe:
681	(a)  A voter registration application that is the same in
682	content, format, and size as the uniform statewide voter
683	registration application prescribed under s. 97.052; and
684	(b)  A form that will inform applicants under subsection
685	(1) of the information contained in paragraph (2)(a).
686	(4)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
687	must electronically transmit forward completed voter
688	registration applications within 24 hours after receipt to the
689	statewide voter registration system. Completed paper voter
690	registration applications received by the Department of Highway
691	Safety and Motor Vehicles shall be forwarded within 5 days after
692	receipt to the supervisor of the county where the office that
693	processed or received that application is located.
694	(5)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
695	must send, with each driver's license renewal extension
696	application authorized pursuant to s. 322.18(8), a uniform
697	statewide voter registration application, the voter registration
698	application prescribed under paragraph (3)(a), or a voter
699	registration application developed especially for the purposes
700	of this subsection by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
701	Vehicles, with the approval of the Department of State, which
702	must meet the requirements of s. 97.052.
703	(6)  A person providing voter registration services for a
704	driver license office may not:
705	(a)  Seek to influence an applicant's political preference
706	or party registration;
707	(b)  Display any political preference or party allegiance;
708	(c)  Make any statement to an applicant or take any action
709	the purpose or effect of which is to discourage the applicant
710	from registering to vote; or
711	(d)  Disclose any applicant's voter registration
712	information except as needed for the administration of voter
713	registration.
714	(7)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
715	shall compile lists, by county, of those individuals whose names
716	have been purged from its driver's license database because they
717	have been licensed in another state and shall provide those
718	lists annually to the appropriate supervisors.
719	(7)(8)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
720	shall collect data determined necessary by the Department of
721	State for program evaluation and reporting to the Federal
722	Election Assistance Commission pursuant to federal law the
723	National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
724	(8)(9)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
725	must ensure that all voter registration services provided by
726	driver license offices are in compliance with the Voting Rights
727	Act of 1965.
728	(9)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
729	shall retain complete records of voter registration information
730	received, processed, and submitted to the statewide voter
731	registration system by the Department of Highway Safety and
732	Motor Vehicles. These records shall be for the explicit purpose
733	of supporting audit and accounting controls established to
734	ensure accurate and complete electronic transmission of records
735	between the statewide voter registration system and the
736	Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
737	(10)  The department shall provide the Department of
738	Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles with an electronic database of
739	street addresses valid for use as the legal residence address as
740	required in s. 97.053(5). The Department of Highway Safety and
741	Motor Vehicles shall compare the address provided by the
742	applicant against the database of valid street addresses. If the
743	address provided by the applicant does not match a valid street
744	address in the database, the applicant will be asked to verify
745	the address provided. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor
746	Vehicles shall not reject any application for voter registration
747	for which a valid match cannot be made.
748	(11)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
749	shall enter into an agreement with the department to match
750	information in the statewide voter registration system with
751	information in the database of the Department of Highway Safety
752	and Motor Vehicles to the extent required to verify the accuracy
753	of the driver's license number, Florida identification number,
754	or last four digits of the social security number provided on
755	applications for voter registration as required in s. 97.053.
756	(12)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
757	shall enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Social
758	Security as required by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to
759	verify the last four digits of the social security number
760	provided in applications for voter registration as required in
761	s. 97.053.
762	Section 10.  Subsections (6), (7), and (9) of section
763	97.058, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
764	97.058  Voter registration agencies.--
765	(6)  A voter registration agency must forward all completed
766	and incomplete voter registration applications within 5 days
767	after receipt to the supervisor of the county where the agency
768	that processed or received that application is located.
769	(7)  A voter registration agency must retain declinations
770	for a period of 2 years, during which time the declinations are
771	not considered a record of the client pursuant to the laws
772	governing the agency's records. However, a voter registration
773	agency must forward a copy of each incompleted voter
774	registration application within 5 days after receipt to the
775	appropriate supervisor of elections.
776	(9)  A voter registration agency must collect data
777	determined necessary by the department, as provided by rule, for
778	program evaluation and reporting to the Federal Election
779	Assistance Commission pursuant to federal law the National Voter
780	Registration Act of 1993.
781	Section 11.  Section 97.061, Florida Statutes, is amended
782	to read:
783	97.061  Special registration for electors requiring
784	assistance.--
785	(1)  Any person who is eligible to register and who is
786	unable to read or write or who, because of some disability,
787	needs assistance in voting shall upon that person's request be
788	registered by the supervisor under the procedure prescribed by
789	this section and shall be entitled to receive assistance at the
790	polls under the conditions prescribed by this section. The
791	department may adopt rules to administer this section.
792	(2)  If a person is qualified to register pursuant to this
793	section, the voter registration official supervisor shall note
794	in that person's registration record that the person needs
795	assistance in voting.
796	(3)  The precinct register generated by the supervisor
797	shall contain Upon registering any person pursuant to this
798	section, the supervisor must make a notation on the registration
799	books or records which are delivered to the polls on election
800	day that such person is eligible for assistance in voting, and
801	the supervisor may issue such person a special registration
802	identification card or make a some notation on the voter
803	information regular registration identification card that such
804	person is eligible for assistance in voting. Such person shall
805	be entitled to receive the assistance of two election officials
806	or some other person of his or her own choice, other than the
807	person's employer, the agent of the person's employer, or an
808	officer or agent of the person's union, without the necessity of
809	executing the "Declaration to Secure Assistance" prescribed in
810	s. 101.051. Such person shall notify the supervisor of any
811	change in his or her condition which makes it unnecessary for
812	him or her to receive assistance in voting.
813	Section 12.  Section 97.071, Florida Statutes, is amended
814	to read:
815	97.071  Voter information Registration identification
816	card.--
817	(1)  A voter information registration identification card
818	shall must be furnished by the supervisor to all registered
819	voters residing in the supervisor's county. The card registering
820	under the permanent single registration system and must contain:
821	(a)  Voter's registration number.
822	(b)  Date of registration.
823	(c)  Full name.
824	(d)  Party affiliation.
825	(e)  Date of birth.
826	(f)  Race or ethnicity, if provided by the applicant.
827	(g)  Sex, if provided by the applicant.
828	(f)(h)  Address of legal residence.
829	(g)(i)  Precinct number.
830	(h)(j)  Name of supervisor and contact information of
831	supervisor.
832	(k)  Place for voter's signature.
833	(i)(l)  Other information deemed necessary by the
834	supervisor department.
835	(2)  A voter may receive a replacement voter information of
836	a registration identification card by providing a signed,
837	written request for a replacement card to a voter registration
838	official the supervisor. Upon verification of registration, the
839	supervisor shall issue the voter a duplicate card without
840	charge.
841	(3)  In the case of a change of name, address, or party
842	affiliation, the supervisor shall must issue the voter a new
843	voter information registration identification card. However, a
844	voter information registration identification card indicating a
845	party affiliation change made between the book-closing date for
846	the first primary election and the date of the second primary
847	election may not be issued until after the second primary
848	election.
849	Section 13.  Section 97.073, Florida Statutes, is amended
850	to read:
851	97.073  Disposition of voter registration applications;
852	cancellation notice.--
853	(1)  The supervisor must notify each applicant of the
854	disposition of the applicant's voter registration application.
855	The notice must inform the applicant that the application has
856	been approved, is incomplete, has been denied, or is a duplicate
857	of a current registration. A voter information registration
858	identification card sent to an applicant constitutes notice of
859	approval of registration. If the application is incomplete, the
860	supervisor must request that the applicant supply the missing
861	information using a voter registration application signed by the
862	applicant in writing and sign a statement that the additional
863	information is true and correct. A notice of denial must inform
864	the applicant of the reason the application was denied.
865	(2)  Within 2 weeks after approval of a voter registration
866	application that indicates that the applicant was previously
867	registered in another state jurisdiction, the department
868	supervisor must notify the registration official in the prior
869	state jurisdiction that the applicant is now registered in this
870	state the supervisor's county.
871	Section 14.  Section 97.1031, Florida Statutes, is amended
872	to read:
873	97.1031  Notice of change of residence within the same
874	county, change of name, or change of party affiliation.--
875	(1)  When an elector moves from the address named on that
876	person's voter registration record to another address within the
877	same county, the elector must provide notification of such move
878	to the supervisor of elections of that county. The elector may
879	provide the supervisor a signed, written notice or may notify
880	the supervisor by telephone or electronic means. However,
881	notification of such move other than by signed, written notice
882	must include the elector's date of birth. An elector may also
883	provide notification to other voter registration officials as
884	provided in subsection (2). A voter information registration
885	identification card reflecting the new information address of
886	legal residence shall be issued to the elector as provided in
887	subsection (3)(4).
888	(2)  When an elector moves from the address named on that
889	person's voter registration record to another address in a
890	different county but within the state, the elector seeks to
891	change party affiliation, or the name of an elector is changed
892	by marriage or other legal process, the elector shall must
893	provide notice a signed, written notification of such change to
894	a voter registration official using a voter registration
895	application signed by the elector. A voter information the
896	supervisor and obtain a registration identification card
897	reflecting the new information shall be issued to the elector as
898	provided in subsection (3) name.
899	(3)  When an elector seeks to change party affiliation, the
900	elector must provide a signed, written notification of such
901	intent to the supervisor and obtain a registration
902	identification card reflecting the new party affiliation,
903	subject to the issuance restriction in s. 97.071(3).
904	(3)(4)  The voter registration official supervisor shall
905	make the necessary changes in the elector's records as soon as
906	practical upon receipt of such notice of a change of address of
907	legal residence, name, or party affiliation. The supervisor of
908	elections and shall issue the new voter information registration
909	identification card as required by s. 97.071(3).
910	Section 15.  Section 97.105, Florida Statutes, is amended
911	to read:
912	97.105  Permanent single registration system established.--
913	A permanent single registration system for the registration of
914	electors to qualify them to vote in all elections is provided
915	for the several counties and municipalities. This system shall
916	be put into use by all municipalities and shall be in lieu of
917	any other system of municipal registration. Electors shall be
918	registered pursuant to in pursuance of this system by a voter
919	registration official the supervisor or by a deputy supervisor,
920	and electors registered shall not thereafter be required to
921	register or reregister except as provided by law.
922	Section 16.  Subsections (3), (10), and (11) of section
923	98.015, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (12) is
924	added to that section, to read:
925	98.015  Supervisor of elections; election, tenure of
926	office, compensation, custody of books, office hours, successor,
927	seal; appointment of deputy supervisors; duties.--
928	(3)  The supervisor shall update voter registration
929	information, enter new voter registrations into the statewide
930	voter registration system, and act as is the official custodian
931	of documents received by the supervisor related to the
932	registration of electors and changes in voter registration
933	status of electors of the supervisor's county the registration
934	books and has the exclusive control of matters pertaining to
935	registration of electors.
936	(10)  Each supervisor shall must ensure that all voter
937	registration and list maintenance procedures conducted by such
938	supervisor are in compliance with any applicable requirements
939	prescribed by rule of the department through the statewide voter
940	registration system or prescribed by for that county under the
941	Voting Rights Act of 1965, the National Voter Registration Act
942	of 1993, or the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
943	(11)  Each supervisor shall ensure that any voter
944	registration system used by the supervisor for administering his
945	or her duties as a voter registration official complies with the
946	specifications and procedures established by rule of the
947	department and the statewide voter registration system Each
948	supervisor of elections shall forward to the property appraiser
949	for the county in which the homestead is claimed the name of the
950	person and the address of the homestead of each person who
951	registers to vote at an address other than that at which the
952	person claims a homestead exemption, as disclosed on the uniform
953	statewide voter registration application pursuant to s. 97.052.
954	(12)  Each supervisor shall maintain a list of valid
955	residential street addresses for purposes of verifying the legal
956	addresses of voters residing in the supervisor's county. The
957	supervisor shall make all reasonable efforts to coordinate with
958	county 911 service providers, property appraisers, the United
959	States Postal Service, or other agencies as necessary to ensure
960	the continued accuracy of such list. The supervisor shall
961	provide the list of valid residential addresses to the statewide
962	voter registration system in the manner and frequency specified
963	by rule of the department.
964	Section 17.  Section 98.035, Florida Statutes, is created
965	to read:
966	98.035  Statewide voter registration system;
967	implementation, operation, and maintenance.--
968	(1)  The Secretary of State, as chief election officer of
969	the state, shall be responsible for implementing, operating, and
970	maintaining, in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner, a
971	single, uniform, official, centralized, interactive,
972	computerized statewide voter registration system as required by
973	the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The department may adopt
974	rules to administer this section.
975	(2)  The statewide voter registration system must contain
976	the name and registration information of every legally
977	registered voter in the state. All voters shall be assigned a
978	unique identifier. The system shall be the official list of
979	registered voters in the state and shall provide secured access
980	by authorized voter registration officials. The system shall
981	enable voter registration officials to provide, access, and
982	update voter registration information.
983	(3)  The department may not contract with any other entity
984	for the operation of the statewide voter registration system.
985	(4)  The implementation of the statewide voter registration
986	system shall not prevent any supervisor of elections from
987	acquiring, maintaining, or using any hardware or software
988	necessary or desirable to carry out the supervisor's
989	responsibilities related to the use of voter registration
990	information or the conduct of elections, provided that such
991	hardware or software does not conflict with the operation of the
992	statewide voter registration system.
993	(5)  The department may adopt rules governing the access,
994	use, and operation of the statewide voter registration system to
995	ensure security, uniformity, and integrity of the system.
996	Section 18.  Section 98.045, Florida Statutes, is amended
997	to read:
998	98.045  Administration of voter registration.--
999	(1)  ELIGIBILITY OF APPLICANT.--The Each supervisor must
1000	ensure that any eligible applicant for voter registration is
1001	registered to vote and that each application for voter
1002	registration is processed in accordance with law. The supervisor
1003	shall determine whether a voter registration applicant is
1004	ineligible based on any of the following:
1005	(a)  The failure to complete a voter registration
1006	application as specified in s. 97.053.
1007	(b)  The applicant is deceased.
1008	(c)  The applicant has been convicted of a felony for which
1009	his or her civil rights have not been restored.
1010	(d)  The applicant has been adjudicated mentally
1011	incapacitated with respect to the right to vote and such right
1012	has not been restored.
1013	(e)  The applicant does not meet the age requirement
1014	pursuant to s. 97.041.
1015	(f)  The applicant is not a United States citizen.
1016	(g)  The applicant is a fictitious person.
1017	(h)  The applicant has provided an address of legal
1018	residence that is not his or her legal residence.
1019	(i)  The applicant has provided a driver's license number,
1020	Florida identification card number, or the last four digits of a
1021	social security number that is not verifiable by the department.
1022	(2)  REMOVAL OF REGISTERED VOTERS.--
1023	(a)  Once a voter is registered, the name of that voter may
1024	not be removed from the statewide voter registration system
1025	books except at the written request of the voter, by reason of
1026	the voter's conviction of a felony or adjudication as mentally
1027	incapacitated with respect to voting, by death of the voter, or
1028	pursuant to a registration list maintenance program or other
1029	registration list maintenance activity conducted pursuant to s.
1030	98.065 or, s. 98.075, or s. 98.0977.
1031	(b)(2)  Information received by a voter registration
1032	official supervisor from an election official in another state
1033	jurisdiction indicating that a registered voter in this state
1034	the supervisor's county has registered to vote in that other
1035	state jurisdiction shall be considered as a written request from
1036	the voter to have the voter's name removed from the statewide
1037	voter registration system books of the supervisor's county.
1038	(3)  PUBLIC RECORDS ACCESS AND RETENTION.--Notwithstanding
1039	the provisions of ss. 98.095 and 98.0977, Each supervisor shall
1040	maintain for at least 2 years, and make available for public
1041	inspection and copying, all records concerning implementation of
1042	registration list maintenance programs and activities conducted
1043	pursuant to ss. 98.065 and, 98.075, and 98.0977. The records
1044	must include lists of the name and address of each person to
1045	whom a an address confirmation final notice was sent and
1046	information as to whether each such person responded to the
1047	mailing, but may not include any information that is
1048	confidential or exempt from public records requirements under
1049	this code.
1050	(4)  STATEWIDE ELECTRONIC DATABASE OF VALID RESIDENTIAL
1051	STREET ADDRESSES.--
1052	(a)  The department shall compile and maintain a statewide
1053	electronic database of valid residential street addresses from
1054	the information provided by the supervisors of elections
1055	pursuant to s. 98.015. The department shall evaluate the
1056	information provided by the supervisors of elections to identify
1057	any duplicate addresses and any address that may overlap county
1058	boundaries.
1059	(b)  The department shall make the statewide database of
1060	valid street addresses available to the Department of Highway
1061	Safety and Motor Vehicles as provided in s. 97.057(10). The
1062	Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall use the
1063	database for purposes of validating the legal residential
1064	addresses provided in voter registration applications received
1065	by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
1066	(5)  FORMS.--The department may prescribe by rule forms
1067	necessary to conduct maintenance of records in the statewide
1068	voter registration system.
1069	Section 19.  Section 98.065, Florida Statutes, as amended
1070	by chapter 2002-281, Laws of Florida, is amended to read:
1071	98.065  Registration list maintenance programs.--
1072	(1)  The supervisor must conduct a general registration
1073	list maintenance program to protect the integrity of the
1074	electoral process by ensuring the maintenance of accurate and
1075	current voter registration records in the statewide voter
1076	registration system. The program must be uniform,
1077	nondiscriminatory, and in compliance with the Voting Rights Act
1078	of 1965, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and the
1079	Help America Vote Act of 2002. As used in this subsection, the
1080	term "nondiscriminatory" applies to and includes persons with
1081	disabilities.
1082	(2)  A supervisor must incorporate one or more of the
1083	following procedures in the supervisor's biennial registration
1084	list maintenance program under which:
1085	(a)  Change-of-address information supplied by the United
1086	States Postal Service through its licensees is used to identify
1087	registered voters whose addresses might have changed;
1088	(b)  Change-of-address information is identified from
1089	returned nonforwardable return-if-undeliverable mail sent to all
1090	registered voters in the county; or
1091	(c)  Change-of-address information is identified from
1092	returned nonforwardable return-if-undeliverable address
1093	confirmation requests mailed to all registered voters who have
1094	not voted in the last 2 years and who did not make a written
1095	request that their registration records be updated during that
1096	time.
1097	(3)  A registration list maintenance program must be
1098	conducted by each supervisor, at a minimum, in each odd-numbered
1099	year and must be completed not later than 90 days prior to the
1100	date of any federal election. All list maintenance actions
1101	associated with each voter must be entered, tracked, and
1102	maintained in the statewide voter registration system.
1103	(4)(a)  If the supervisor receives change-of-address
1104	information pursuant to the activities conducted in subsection
1105	(2), from jury notices signed by the voter and returned to the
1106	courts, from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
1107	Vehicles, or from other sources, which information indicates
1108	that the legal address of a registered voter might have changed,
1109	the supervisor shall send by forwardable return-if-undeliverable
1110	mail an address confirmation notice to the address at which the
1111	voter was last registered. A supervisor may also send an address
1112	confirmation notice to any voter who the supervisor has reason
1113	to believe has moved from his or her legal residence.
1114	(b)  The address confirmation notice shall contain a
1115	postage prepaid preaddressed return form on which:
1116	1.  If the voter has changed his or her address of legal
1117	residence to a location outside the state, the voter shall mark
1118	that the voter's legal residence has changed to a location
1119	outside the state. The form shall also include information on
1120	how to register in the new state in order to be eligible to
1121	vote. The form must be returned within 30 days after the date of
1122	the notice. The completed form shall constitute a request to be
1123	removed from the statewide voter registration system.
1124	2.  If the voter has changed his or her address of legal
1125	residence to a location inside the state, the voter shall set
1126	forth the updated or corrected address and submit the return
1127	form within 30 days after the date of the notice. The completed
1128	form shall constitute a request to update the statewide voter
1129	registration system with the updated or corrected address
1130	information.
1131	3.  If the voter has not changed his or her address of
1132	legal residence as printed on the address confirmation notice,
1133	the voter shall confirm that his or her address of legal
1134	residence has not changed and submit the form within 30 days
1135	after the date of the notice.
1136	(c)  The supervisor must designate as inactive all voters
1137	who have been sent an address confirmation notice and who have
1138	not returned the postage prepaid preaddressed return form within
1139	30 days or for which an address confirmation notice has been
1140	returned as undeliverable. Names on the inactive list may not be
1141	used to calculate the number of signatures needed on any
1142	petition. A voter on the inactive list may be restored to the
1143	active list of voters upon the voter updating his or her
1144	registration, requesting an absentee ballot, or appearing to
1145	vote. However, if the voter does not update his or her voter
1146	registration information, request an absentee ballot, or vote by
1147	the second general election after being placed on the inactive
1148	list, the voter's name shall be removed from the statewide voter
1149	registration system and the voter shall be required to
1150	reregister to have his or her name restored to the statewide
1151	voter registration system.
1152	(5)  A notice may not be issued pursuant to this section
1153	and a voter's name may not be removed from the statewide voter
1154	registration system later than 90 days prior to the date of a
1155	federal election. However, this section does not preclude the
1156	removal of the name of a voter from the statewide voter
1157	registration system at any time upon the voter's written
1158	request, by reason of the voter's death, or upon a determination
1159	of the voter's ineligibility as provided in s. 98.075(7).
1160	(6)(a)  No later than July 31 and January 31 of each year,
1161	the supervisor must certify to the department the list
1162	maintenance activities conducted during the first 6 months and
1163	the second 6 months of the year, respectively, including the
1164	number of address confirmation requests sent, the number of
1165	voters designated as inactive, and the number of voters removed
1166	from the statewide voter registration system.
1167	(b)  If, based on the certification provided pursuant to
1168	paragraph (a), the department determines that a supervisor has
1169	not conducted the list maintenance activities required by this
1170	section, the department shall conduct the appropriate list
1171	maintenance activities for that county. Failure to conduct list
1172	maintenance activities as required in this section constitutes a
1173	violation of s. 104.051. A voter's name may not be removed from
1174	the registration books later than 90 days prior to the date of a
1175	federal election. However, nothing in this section shall
1176	preclude the removal of the name of a voter from the voter
1177	registration books, at any time and without prior notification,
1178	upon the written request of the voter, by reason of conviction
1179	of the voter of a felony, by reason of adjudication of the voter
1180	as mentally incapacitated with respect to voting, by reason of
1181	the death of the voter, or upon a determination of ineligibility
1182	as provided in s. 98.075(3).
1183	(4)  If the supervisor receives change-of-address
1184	information from the United States Postal Service or its
1185	licensees or from jury notices signed by the voter and returned
1186	to the courts, which indicates that:
1187	(a)  The voter has moved within the supervisor's county,
1188	the supervisor must change the registration records to show the
1189	new address and must send the voter a notice of the change by
1190	forwardable mail, including a postage prepaid preaddressed
1191	return form with which the voter may verify or correct the
1192	address information.
1193	(b)  The voter has moved outside the supervisor's county,
1194	or contains no forwarding address, the supervisor shall send an
1195	address confirmation final notice and remove the name of the
1196	voter from the registration record if that voter did not:
1197	1.  Return the postage prepaid preaddressed return form;
1198	2.  Appear to vote;
1199	3.  Change the voter's registration; or
1200	4.  Request an absentee ballot
1201
1202	during the period beginning on the date when the address
1203	confirmation final notice was sent and ending on the day after
1204	the date of the second general election thereafter.
1205	(5)  The supervisor must designate as inactive all voters
1206	who have been sent an address confirmation final notice and who
1207	have not returned the postage prepaid preaddressed return form
1208	within 30 days. A voter on the inactive list must be allowed to
1209	vote and to change the voter's name or address of legal
1210	residence at the polls pursuant to s. 101.045. Names on the
1211	inactive list may not be used to calculate the number of
1212	signatures needed on any petition or the quantity of voting
1213	equipment needed.
1214	Section 20.  Section 98.075, Florida Statutes, is amended
1215	to read:
1216	(Substantial rewording of section. See
1217	s. 98.075, F.S., for present text.)
1218	98.075  Registration records maintenance activities;
1219	ineligibility determinations.--
1220	(1)  MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS.--The department shall protect
1221	the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring the
1222	maintenance of accurate and current voter registration records.
1223	List maintenance activities must be uniform, nondiscriminatory,
1224	and in compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the
1225	National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and the Help America
1226	Vote Act of 2002. The department may adopt by rule uniform
1227	standards and procedures to interpret and administer this
1228	section.
1229	(2)  DUPLICATE REGISTRATION.--The department shall identify
1230	those voters who are registered more than once or those
1231	applicants whose registration applications would result in
1232	duplicate registrations. The most recent application shall be
1233	deemed an update to the voter registration record.
1234	(3)  DECEASED PERSONS.--The department shall identify those
1235	registered voters who are deceased by comparing information on
1236	the lists of deceased persons received from the Department of
1237	Health as provided in s. 98.093. Upon receipt of such
1238	information through the statewide voter registration system, the
1239	supervisor shall remove the name of the registered voter.
1240	(4)  ADJUDICATION OF MENTAL INCAPACITY.--The department
1241	shall identify those registered voters who have been adjudicated
1242	mentally incapacitated with respect to voting and who have not
1243	had their voting rights restored by comparing information
1244	received from the clerk of the circuit court as provided in s.
1245	98.093. The department shall review such information and make an
1246	initial determination as to whether the information is credible
1247	and reliable. If the department determines that the information
1248	is credible and reliable, the department shall notify the
1249	supervisor and provide a copy of the supporting documentation
1250	indicating the potential ineligibility of the voter to be
1251	registered. Upon receipt of the notice that the department has
1252	made a determination of initial credibility and reliability, the
1253	supervisor shall adhere to the procedures set forth in
1254	subsection (7) prior to the removal of a registered voter from
1255	the statewide voter registration system.
1256	(5)  FELONY CONVICTION.--The department shall identify
1257	those registered voters who have been convicted of a felony and
1258	whose rights have not been restored by comparing information
1259	received from, but not limited to, a clerk of the circuit court,
1260	the Board of Executive Clemency, the Department of Corrections,
1261	the Department of Law Enforcement, or a United States Attorney's
1262	Office, as provided in s. 98.093. The department shall review
1263	such information and make an initial determination as to whether
1264	the information is credible and reliable. If the department
1265	determines that the information is credible and reliable, the
1266	department shall notify the supervisor and provide a copy of the
1267	supporting documentation indicating the potential ineligibility
1268	of the voter to be registered. Upon receipt of the notice that
1269	the department has made a determination of initial credibility
1270	and reliability, the supervisor shall adhere to the procedures
1271	set forth in subsection (7) prior to the removal of a registered
1272	voter's name from the statewide voter registration system.
1273	(6)  OTHER BASES FOR INELIGIBILITY.--If the department or
1274	supervisor receives information other than from the sources
1275	identified in subsections (2)-(5) that a registered voter does
1276	not meet the age requirement pursuant to s. 97.041, is not a
1277	United States citizen, is a fictitious person, or has listed a
1278	residence that is not his or her legal residence, the supervisor
1279	shall adhere to the procedures set forth in subsection (7) prior
1280	to the removal of a registered voter's name from the statewide
1281	voter registration system.
1282	(7)  PROCEDURES FOR REMOVAL.--
1283	(a)  If the supervisor receives notice or information
1284	pursuant to subsections (4)-(6), the supervisor of the county in
1285	which the voter is registered shall:
1286	1.  Notify the registered voter of his or her potential
1287	ineligibility by mail within 7 days after receipt of notice or
1288	information. The notice shall include:
1289	a.  A statement of the basis for the registered voter's
1290	potential ineligibility and a copy of any documentation upon
1291	which the potential ineligibility is based.
1292	b.  A statement that failure to respond within 30 days
1293	after receipt of the notice may result in a determination of
1294	ineligibility and in removal of the registered voter's name from
1295	the statewide voter registration system.
1296	c.  A return form that requires the registered voter to
1297	admit or deny the accuracy of the information underlying the
1298	potential ineligibility for purposes of a final determination by
1299	the supervisor.
1300	d.  A statement that, if the voter is denying the accuracy
1301	of the information underlying the potential ineligibility, the
1302	voter has a right to request a hearing for the purpose of
1303	determining eligibility.
1304	e.  Instructions for the registered voter to contact the
1305	supervisor of elections of the county in which the voter is
1306	registered if assistance is needed in resolving the matter.
1307	f.  Instructions for seeking restoration of civil rights
1308	following a felony conviction, if applicable.
1309	2.  If the mailed notice is returned as undeliverable, the
1310	supervisor shall publish notice once in a newspaper of general
1311	circulation in the county in which the voter was last
1312	registered. The notice shall contain the following:
1313	a.  The voter's name and address.
1314	b.  A statement that the voter is potentially ineligible to
1315	be registered to vote.
1316	c.  A statement that failure to respond within 30 days
1317	after the notice is published may result in a determination of
1318	ineligibility by the supervisor and removal of the registered
1319	voter's name from the statewide voter registration system.
1320	d.  An instruction for the voter to contact the supervisor
1321	no later than 30 days after the date of the published notice to
1322	receive information regarding the basis for the potential
1323	ineligibility and the procedure to resolve the matter.
1324	e.  An instruction to the voter that, if further assistance
1325	is needed, the voter should contact the supervisor of elections
1326	of the county in which the voter is registered.
1327	3.  If a registered voter fails to respond to a notice
1328	pursuant to subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2., the supervisor
1329	shall make a final determination of the voter's eligibility. If
1330	the supervisor determines that the voter is ineligible, the
1331	supervisor shall remove the name of the registered voter from
1332	the statewide voter registration system. The supervisor shall
1333	notify the registered voter of the supervisor's determination
1334	and action.
1335	4.  If a registered voter responds to the notice pursuant
1336	to subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2. and admits the accuracy of
1337	the information underlying the potential ineligibility, the
1338	supervisor shall make a final determination of ineligibility and
1339	shall remove the voter's name from the statewide voter
1340	registration system. The supervisor shall notify the registered
1341	voter of the supervisor's determination and action.
1342	5.  If a registered voter responds to the notice issued
1343	pursuant to subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2. and denies the
1344	accuracy of the information underlying the potential
1345	ineligibility but does not request a hearing, the supervisor
1346	shall review the evidence and make a final determination of
1347	eligibility. If such registered voter requests a hearing, the
1348	supervisor shall send notice to the registered voter to attend a
1349	hearing at a time and place specified in the notice. Upon
1350	hearing all evidence presented at the hearing, the supervisor
1351	shall make a determination of eligibility. If the supervisor
1352	determines that the registered voter is ineligible, the
1353	supervisor shall remove the voter's name from the statewide
1354	voter registration system and notify the registered voter of the
1355	supervisor's determination and action.
1356	(b)  The following shall apply to this subsection:
1357	1.  All determinations of eligibility shall be based on a
1358	preponderance of the evidence.
1359	2.  All proceedings are exempt from the provisions of
1360	chapter 120.
1361	3.  Any notice shall be sent to the registered voter by
1362	certified mail, return receipt requested, or other means that
1363	provides a verification of receipt or shall be published in a
1364	newspaper of general circulation where the voter was last
1365	registered, whichever is applicable.
1366	4.  The supervisor shall remove the name of any registered
1367	voter from the statewide voter registration system only after
1368	the supervisor makes a final determination that the voter is
1369	ineligible to vote.
1370	5.  Any voter whose name has been removed from the
1371	statewide voter registration system pursuant to a determination
1372	of ineligibility may appeal that determination under the
1373	provisions of s. 98.0755.
1374	6.  Any voter whose name was removed from the statewide
1375	voter registration system on the basis of a determination of
1376	ineligibility who subsequently becomes eligible to vote must
1377	reregister in order to have his or her name restored to the
1378	statewide voter registration system.
1379	(8)  CERTIFICATION.--
1380	(a)  No later than July 31 and January 31 of each year, the
1381	supervisor shall certify to the department the activities
1382	conducted pursuant to this section during the first 6 months and
1383	the second 6 months of the year, respectively. The certification
1384	shall include the number of persons to whom notices were sent
1385	pursuant to subsection (7), the number of persons who responded
1386	to the notices, the number of notices returned as undeliverable,
1387	the number of notices published in the newspaper, the number of
1388	hearings conducted, and the number of persons removed from the
1389	statewide voter registration systems and the reasons for such
1390	removals.
1391	(b)  If, based on the certification provided pursuant to
1392	paragraph (a), the department determines that a supervisor has
1393	not satisfied the requirements of this section, the department
1394	shall satisfy the appropriate requirements for that county.
1395	Failure to satisfy the requirements of this section shall
1396	constitute a violation of s. 104.051.
1397	Section 21.  Section 98.0755, Florida Statutes, is created
1398	to read:
1399	98.0755  Appeal of determination of ineligibility.--Appeal
1400	of the supervisor's determination of ineligibility pursuant to
1401	s. 98.075(7) may be taken to the circuit court in and for the
1402	county where the person was registered. Notice of appeal must be
1403	filed within the time and in the manner provided by the Florida
1404	Rules of Appellate Procedure and acts as supersedeas. Trial in
1405	the circuit court is de novo and governed by the rules of that
1406	court. Unless the person can show that his or her name was
1407	erroneously or illegally removed from the statewide voter
1408	registration system, or that he or she is indigent, the person
1409	must bear the costs of the trial in the circuit court.
1410	Otherwise, the cost of the appeal must be paid by the supervisor
1411	of elections.
1412	Section 22.  Section 98.077, Florida Statutes, is amended
1413	to read:
1414	98.077  Update of voter signature.--
1415	(1)  A registered voter may update his or her signature on
1416	file in the statewide voter registration system at any time
1417	using a voter registration application submitted to a voter
1418	registration official.
1419	(2)  The department and supervisors supervisor of elections
1420	shall include in any correspondence, other than postcard
1421	notifications and notices relating to eligibility, sent to a
1422	provide to each registered voter information regarding of the
1423	county the opportunity to update his or her signature on file at
1424	the supervisor's office by providing notification of the ability
1425	to do so in any correspondence, other than postcard
1426	notifications, sent to the voter. The notice shall advise when,
1427	where, and how to update the voter's signature and shall provide
1428	the voter information on how to obtain a voter registration
1429	application form from a voter registration official which the
1430	supervisor that can be returned to update the signature.
1431	(3)  In addition, At least once during each general
1432	election year, the supervisor shall publish in a newspaper of
1433	general circulation or other newspaper in the county deemed
1434	appropriate by the supervisor a notice specifying when, where,
1435	or how a voter can update his or her signature that is on file
1436	and or how a voter can obtain a voter registration application
1437	form from a voter registration official the supervisor to do so.
1438	(4)  All signature updates for use in verifying absentee
1439	and provisional ballots must be received by the appropriate
1440	supervisor of elections no later than the start of the
1441	canvassing of absentee ballots by the canvassing board. The
1442	signature on file at the start of the canvass of the absentees
1443	is the signature that shall be used in verifying the signature
1444	on the absentee and provisional ballot certificates.
1445	Section 23.  Section 98.081, Florida Statutes, is amended
1446	to read:
1447	98.081  Names removed from the statewide voter registration
1448	system books; restrictions on reregistering; recordkeeping;
1449	restoration of erroneously or illegally removed names.--
1450	(1)  Any person who requested that his or her name be
1451	removed from the statewide voter registration system books
1452	between the book-closing date of the first primary and the date
1453	of the second primary may not register in a different political
1454	party until after the date of the second primary election.
1455	(2)  When the name of any elector is removed from the
1456	statewide voter registration system books pursuant to s. 98.065
1457	or, s. 98.075, or s. 98.093, the elector's original registration
1458	application form shall be retained by the supervisor of
1459	elections having custody of the application filed alphabetically
1460	in the office of the supervisor. As alternatives, registrations
1461	removed from the statewide voter registration system books may
1462	be microfilmed and such microfilms substituted for the original
1463	registration applications forms; or, when voter registration
1464	information, including the voter's signature, is maintained
1465	digitally or on electronic, magnetic, or optic media, such
1466	stored information may be substituted for the original
1467	registration application form. Such microfilms or stored
1468	information shall be retained by the supervisor of elections
1469	having in the custody of the supervisor. In the event the
1470	original registration applications forms are microfilmed or
1471	maintained digitally or on electronic or other media, such
1472	originals may be destroyed in accordance with the schedule
1473	approved by the Bureau of Archives and Records Management of the
1474	Division of Library and Information Services of the department.
1475	(3)  When the name of any elector has been erroneously or
1476	illegally removed from the statewide voter registration system
1477	books, the name of the elector shall be restored by a voter
1478	registration official the supervisor upon satisfactory proof,
1479	even though the registration period for that election is closed.
1480	Section 24.  Section 98.093, Florida Statutes, is amended
1481	to read:
1482	98.093  Duty of officials to furnish lists of deceased
1483	persons, persons adjudicated mentally incapacitated, and persons
1484	convicted of a felony.--
1485	(1)  In order to ensure the maintenance of accurate and
1486	current voter registration records, it is necessary for the
1487	department to receive certain information from state and federal
1488	officials and entities. The department and supervisors of
1489	elections shall use the information provided from the sources in
1490	subsection (2) to maintain the voter registration records.
1491	(2)  To the maximum extent feasible, state and local
1492	government agencies shall facilitate provision of information
1493	and access to data to the department, including, but not limited
1494	to, databases that contain reliable criminal records and records
1495	of deceased persons. State and local government agencies that
1496	provide such data shall do so without charge if the direct cost
1497	incurred by those agencies is not significant.
1498	(a)  The Department of Health shall furnish monthly to the
1499	department each supervisor of elections a list containing the
1500	name, address, date of birth, date of death, social security
1501	number, race, and sex of each deceased person 17 years of age or
1502	older who was a resident of such supervisor's county.
1503	(b)(2)  Each clerk of the circuit court shall furnish
1504	monthly to the department, at least once each month, deliver to
1505	each supervisor of elections a list of those persons who have
1506	been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting
1507	during the preceding calendar month, a list of those persons
1508	whose mental capacity with respect to voting has been restored
1509	during the preceding calendar month, and a list of those persons
1510	who have returned signed jury notices during the preceding
1511	months to the clerk of the circuit court indicating a change of
1512	address. Each list shall include stating the name, address, date
1513	of birth, race, and sex, and, whichever is available, the
1514	Florida driver's license number, Florida identification card
1515	number, or social security number of each such person convicted
1516	of a felony during the preceding calendar month who was a
1517	resident of that supervisor's county, a list stating the name,
1518	address, date of birth, race, and sex of each person adjudicated
1519	mentally incapacitated with respect to voting during the
1520	preceding calendar month who was a resident of that supervisor's
1521	county, and a list stating the name, address, date of birth,
1522	race, and sex of each person whose mental capacity with respect
1523	to voting has been restored who was a resident of that
1524	supervisor's county.
1525	(c)(3)  Upon receipt of information from the United States
1526	Attorney, listing persons convicted of a felony in federal
1527	court, the department shall use such information to identify
1528	registered voters or applicants for voter registration who may
1529	be potentially ineligible based on information provided in
1530	accordance with s. 98.075 immediately forward such information
1531	to the supervisor of elections for the county where the offender
1532	resides.
1533	(d)  The Department of Law Enforcement shall identify those
1534	persons who have been convicted of a felony who appear in the
1535	voter registration records supplied by the statewide voter
1536	registration system, in a time and manner that enables the
1537	department to meet its obligations under state and federal law.
1538	(e)  The Board of Executive Clemency shall furnish monthly
1539	to the department a list of those persons granted clemency in
1540	the preceding month or any updates to prior records which have
1541	occurred in the preceding month. The list shall contain the
1542	Board of Executive Clemency case number, name, address, date of
1543	birth, race, sex, social security number, if available, and
1544	references to record identifiers assigned by the Department of
1545	Corrections, a unique identifier of each clemency case, and the
1546	effective date of clemency of each person.
1547	(f)  The Department of Corrections shall furnish monthly to
1548	the department a list of those persons transferred to the
1549	Department of Corrections in the preceding month or any updates
1550	to prior records which have occurred in the preceding month. The
1551	list shall contain the name, address, date of birth, race, sex,
1552	social security number, Department of Corrections record
1553	identification number, and associated Department of Law
1554	Enforcement felony conviction record number of each person.
1555	(g)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
1556	shall furnish monthly to the department a list of those persons
1557	whose names have been removed from the driver's license database
1558	because they have been licensed in another state. The list shall
1559	contain the name, address, date of birth, sex, social security
1560	number, and driver's license number of each such person.
1561	(4)  Upon receipt of any such list, the supervisor shall
1562	remove from the registration books the name of any person listed
1563	who is deceased, convicted of a felony, or adjudicated mentally
1564	incapacitated with respect to voting. A person who has had his
1565	or her mental capacity with respect to voting restored or who
1566	has had his or her right to vote restored after conviction of a
1567	felony shall be required to reregister to have his or her name
1568	restored to the registration books.
1569	(3)(5)  Nothing in this section shall limit or restrict the
1570	supervisor in his or her duty to remove the names of such
1571	persons from the statewide voter registration system pursuant to
1572	s. 98.075(7) based upon books after verification of information
1573	received from other sources.
1574	Section 25.  Effective August 1, 2006, section 98.0981,
1575	Florida Statutes, is created to read:
1576	98.0981  Statewide voter registration database.--Within 75
1577	days after a general election or within 15 days after all
1578	supervisors of elections have updated voter history information,
1579	whichever occurs later, the department shall send to the
1580	President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of
1581	Representatives, the Senate Minority Leader, and the House
1582	Minority Leader a report in electronic format of all voters
1583	qualified to vote in the election or primary. The report shall
1584	include for each voter the code used by the department to
1585	uniquely identify the voter; all information provided in the
1586	uniform statewide voter registration application pursuant to s.
1587	97.052(2), except what is specifically identified as
1588	confidential or exempt from public-records requirements; the
1589	date of registration; the representative district, senatorial
1590	district, congressional district, and precinct in which the
1591	voter resides; and whether the voter voted at the precinct
1592	location, voted by early vote, voted by absentee ballot,
1593	attempted to vote by absentee ballot that was not counted,
1594	attempted to vote by provisional ballot that was not counted, or
1595	did not vote.
1596	Section 26.  Section 98.212, Florida Statutes, is amended
1597	to read:
1598	98.212  Department and supervisors to furnish statistical
1599	and other information.--
1600	(1)(a)  Upon written request, the department and any
1601	supervisor of the respective counties supervisors shall, as
1602	promptly as possible, furnish to recognized public or private
1603	universities and senior colleges within the state, to state or
1604	county governmental agencies, and to recognized political party
1605	committees statistical information for the purpose of analyzing
1606	election returns and results.
1607	(b)  The department and any supervisor Supervisors may
1608	require reimbursement for any part or all of the actual expenses
1609	of supplying any information requested under paragraph (a). For
1610	the purposes of this subsection, the department and supervisors
1611	may use the services of any research and statistical personnel
1612	that may be supplied.
1613	(c)  Lists of names submitted to the department and any
1614	supervisor of the respective counties supervisors for indication
1615	of registration or nonregistration or of party affiliation shall
1616	be processed at any time at cost, except that in no case shall
1617	the charge exceed 10 cents for each name on which the
1618	information is furnished.
1619	(2)  The supervisors shall provide information as requested
1620	by the department for program evaluation and reporting to the
1621	Federal Election Assistance Commission pursuant to federal law
1622	the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
1623	Section 27.  Section 98.461, Florida Statutes, is amended
1624	to read:
1625	98.461  Registration application form, precinct register;
1626	contents.--
1627	(1)  A registration application form, approved by the
1628	Department of State, containing the information required in s.
1629	97.052 shall be retained by the supervisor of elections of the
1630	county of the applicant's registration filed alphabetically in
1631	the office of the supervisor as the master list of electors of
1632	the county. However, the registration application forms may be
1633	microfilmed and such microfilm microfilms substituted for the
1634	original registration application forms; or, when voter
1635	registration information, including the voter's signature, is
1636	maintained digitally or on electronic, magnetic, or optic media,
1637	such stored information may be substituted for the original
1638	registration application form. Such microfilms or stored
1639	information shall be retained in the custody of the supervisor
1640	of elections of the county of the applicant's registration. In
1641	the event the original registration applications forms are
1642	microfilmed or maintained digitally or on electronic or other
1643	media, such originals may be destroyed in accordance with the
1644	schedule approved by the Bureau of Archives and Records
1645	Management of the Division of Library and Information Services
1646	of the Department of State. As an alternative, the information
1647	from the registration form, including the signature, may be
1648	electronically reproduced and stored as provided in s. 98.451.
1649	(2)  A computer printout or electronic database shall be
1650	used at the polls as a precinct register in lieu of the
1651	registration books. The precinct register shall contain the date
1652	of the election, the precinct number, and the following
1653	information concerning each registered elector: last name, first
1654	name, and middle name or initial, and suffix; party affiliation;
1655	residence address; registration number; date of birth; sex, if
1656	provided; race, if provided; whether the voter needs assistance
1657	in voting; and such other additional information as to readily
1658	identify the elector. The precinct register shall also contain a
1659	space for the elector's signature and a space for the initials
1660	of the witnessing clerk or inspector or an electronic device may
1661	be provided for this purpose.
1662	Section 28.  Effective January 1, 2007, section 100.371,
1663	Florida Statutes, as amended by section 9 of chapter 2002-281,
1664	Laws of Florida, is amended to read:
1665	100.371  Initiatives; procedure for placement on ballot.--
1666	(1)  Constitutional amendments proposed by initiative shall
1667	be placed on the ballot for the general election provided the
1668	initiative has been filed with occurring in excess of 90 days
1669	from the certification of ballot position by the Secretary of
1670	State no later than February 1 of the year the general election
1671	is held. A petition shall be deemed to be filed with the
1672	Secretary of State upon the date the secretary determines that
1673	the petition has been signed by the constitutionally required
1674	number of electors.
1675	(2)  Such certification shall be issued when the Secretary
1676	of State has received verification certificates from the
1677	supervisors of elections indicating that the requisite number
1678	and distribution of valid signatures of electors have been
1679	submitted to and verified by the supervisors. Every signature
1680	shall be dated when made and shall be valid for a period of 4
1681	years following such date, provided all other requirements of
1682	law are complied with.
1683	(2)(3)  The sponsor of an initiative amendment shall, prior
1684	to obtaining any signatures, register as a political committee
1685	pursuant to s. 106.03 and submit the text of the proposed
1686	amendment to the Secretary of State, with the form on which the
1687	signatures will be affixed, and shall obtain the approval of the
1688	Secretary of State of such form. The Secretary of State shall
1689	adopt rules pursuant to s. 120.54 prescribing the style and
1690	requirements of such form. Upon filing with the Secretary of
1691	State, the text of the proposed amendment and all forms filed in
1692	connection with this section must, upon request, be made
1693	available in alternative formats.
1694	(3)(4)  Each signature shall be dated when made and shall
1695	be valid for a period of 4 years following such date, provided
1696	all other requirements of law are met. The sponsor shall submit
1697	signed and dated forms to the appropriate supervisor of
1698	elections for verification as to the number of registered
1699	electors whose valid signatures appear thereon. The supervisor
1700	shall promptly verify the signatures upon payment of the fee
1701	required by s. 99.097. The supervisor shall promptly record each
1702	valid signature in the statewide voter registration system in
1703	the manner prescribed by the Secretary of State. Upon completion
1704	of verification, the supervisor shall execute a certificate
1705	indicating the total number of signatures checked, the number of
1706	signatures verified as valid and as being of registered
1707	electors, and the distribution by congressional district. This
1708	certificate shall be immediately transmitted to the Secretary of
1709	State. The supervisor shall retain the signature forms for at
1710	least 1 year following the election in which the issue appeared
1711	on the ballot or until the Division of Elections notifies the
1712	supervisors of elections that the committee which circulated the
1713	petition is no longer seeking to obtain ballot position.
1714	(4)(5)  The Secretary of State shall determine from the
1715	signatures verified by the verification certificates received
1716	from supervisors of elections and recorded in the statewide
1717	voter registration system the total number of verified valid
1718	signatures and the distribution of such signatures by
1719	congressional districts. Upon a determination that the requisite
1720	number and distribution of valid signatures have been obtained,
1721	the secretary shall issue a certificate of ballot position for
1722	that proposed amendment and shall assign a designating number
1723	pursuant to s. 101.161. A petition shall be deemed to be filed
1724	with the Secretary of State upon the date of the receipt by the
1725	secretary of a certificate or certificates from supervisors of
1726	elections indicating the petition has been signed by the
1727	constitutionally required number of electors.
1728	(5)(6)(a)  Within 45 days after receipt of a proposed
1729	revision or amendment to the State Constitution by initiative
1730	petition from the Secretary of State or, within 30 days after
1731	such receipt if receipt occurs 120 days or less before the
1732	election at which the question of ratifying the amendment will
1733	be presented, the Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall
1734	complete an analysis and financial impact statement to be placed
1735	on the ballot of the estimated increase or decrease in any
1736	revenues or costs to state or local governments resulting from
1737	the proposed initiative. The Financial Impact Estimating
1738	Conference shall submit the financial impact statement to the
1739	Attorney General and Secretary of State.
1740	(b)1.  The Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall
1741	provide an opportunity for any proponents or opponents of the
1742	initiative to submit information and may solicit information or
1743	analysis from any other entities or agencies, including the
1744	Office of Economic and Demographic Research. All meetings of the
1745	Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall be open to the
1746	public as provided in chapter 286.
1747	2.  The Financial Impact Estimating Conference is
1748	established to review, analyze, and estimate the financial
1749	impact of amendments to or revisions of the State Constitution
1750	proposed by initiative. The Financial Impact Estimating
1751	Conference shall consist of four principals: one person from the
1752	Executive Office of the Governor; the coordinator of the Office
1753	of Economic and Demographic Research, or his or her designee;
1754	one person from the professional staff of the Senate; and one
1755	person from the professional staff of the House of
1756	Representatives. Each principal shall have appropriate fiscal
1757	expertise in the subject matter of the initiative. A Financial
1758	Impact Estimating Conference may be appointed for each
1759	initiative.
1760	3.  Principals of the Financial Impact Estimating
1761	Conference shall reach a consensus or majority concurrence on a
1762	clear and unambiguous financial impact statement, no more than
1763	75 words in length, and immediately submit the statement to the
1764	Attorney General. Nothing in this subsection prohibits the
1765	Financial Impact Estimating Conference from setting forth a
1766	range of potential impacts in the financial impact statement.
1767	Any financial impact statement that a court finds not to be in
1768	accordance with this section shall be remanded solely to the
1769	Financial Impact Estimating Conference for redrafting. The
1770	Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall redraft the
1771	financial impact statement within 15 days.
1772	4.  If the members of the Financial Impact Estimating
1773	Conference are unable to agree on the statement required by this
1774	subsection, or if the Supreme Court has rejected the initial
1775	submission by the Financial Impact Estimating Conference and no
1776	redraft has been approved by the Supreme Court by 5 p.m. on the
1777	75th day before the election, the following statement shall
1778	appear on the ballot pursuant to s. 101.161(1): "The financial
1779	impact of this measure, if any, cannot be reasonably determined
1780	at this time."
1781	(c)  The financial impact statement must be separately
1782	contained and be set forth after the ballot summary as required
1783	in s. 101.161(1).
1784	(d)1.  Any financial impact statement that the Supreme
1785	Court finds not to be in accordance with this subsection shall
1786	be remanded solely to the Financial Impact Estimating Conference
1787	for redrafting, provided the court's advisory opinion is
1788	rendered at least 75 days before the election at which the
1789	question of ratifying the amendment will be presented. The
1790	Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall prepare and adopt a
1791	revised financial impact statement no later than 5 p.m. on the
1792	15th day after the date of the court's opinion.
1793	2.  If, by 5 p.m. on the 75th day before the election, the
1794	Supreme Court has not issued an advisory opinion on the initial
1795	financial impact statement prepared by the Financial Impact
1796	Estimating Conference for an initiative amendment that otherwise
1797	meets the legal requirements for ballot placement, the financial
1798	impact statement shall be deemed approved for placement on the
1799	ballot.
1800	3.  In addition to the financial impact statement required
1801	by this subsection, the Financial Impact Estimating Conference
1802	shall draft an initiative financial information statement. The
1803	initiative financial information statement should describe in
1804	greater detail than the financial impact statement any projected
1805	increase or decrease in revenues or costs that the state or
1806	local governments would likely experience if the ballot measure
1807	were approved. If appropriate, the initiative financial
1808	information statement may include both estimated dollar amounts
1809	and a description placing the estimated dollar amounts into
1810	context. The initiative financial information statement must
1811	include both a summary of not more than 500 words and additional
1812	detailed information that includes the assumptions that were
1813	made to develop the financial impacts, workpapers, and any other
1814	information deemed relevant by the Financial Impact Estimating
1815	Conference.
1816	4.  The Department of State shall have printed, and shall
1817	furnish to each supervisor of elections, a copy of the summary
1818	from the initiative financial information statements. The
1819	supervisors shall have the summary from the initiative financial
1820	information statements available at each polling place and at
1821	the main office of the supervisor of elections upon request.
1822	5.  The Secretary of State and the Office of Economic and
1823	Demographic Research shall make available on the Internet each
1824	initiative financial information statement in its entirety. In
1825	addition, each supervisor of elections whose office has a
1826	website shall post the summary from each initiative financial
1827	information statement on the website. Each supervisor shall
1828	include the Internet addresses for the information statements on
1829	the Secretary of State's and the Office of Economic and
1830	Demographic Research's websites in the publication or mailing
1831	required by s. 101.20.
1832	(6)(7)  The Department of State may adopt rules in
1833	accordance with s. 120.54 to carry out the provisions of
1834	subsections (1)-(5) (1)-(6).
1835	Section 29.  Subsection (3) of section 101.001, Florida
1836	Statutes, is amended to read:
1837	101.001  Precincts and polling places; boundaries.--
1838	(3)(a)  Each supervisor of elections shall maintain a
1839	suitable map drawn to a scale no smaller than 3 miles to the
1840	inch and clearly delineating all major observable features such
1841	as roads, streams, and railway lines and showing the current
1842	geographical boundaries of each precinct, representative
1843	district, and senatorial district, and other type of district in
1844	the county subject to the elections process in this code.
1845	(b)  The supervisor of elections shall notify the Secretary
1846	of State in writing within 30 days after of any reorganization
1847	of precincts and shall furnish a copy of the map showing the
1848	current geographical boundaries and designation of each new
1849	precinct. However, if precincts are composed of whole census
1850	blocks, the supervisor may furnish, in lieu of a copy of the
1851	map, a list, in an electronic format prescribed by the
1852	Department of State, associating each census block in the county
1853	with its precinct.
1854	(c)  Any precinct established or altered under the
1855	provisions of this section shall consist of areas bounded on all
1856	sides only by:
1857	1.  Census block boundaries from the most recent United
1858	States Census;
1859	2.  Governmental unit boundaries reported in the most
1860	recent Boundary and Annexation Survey published by the United
1861	States Census Bureau;
1862	3.  Visible features that are readily distinguishable upon
1863	the ground, such as streets, railroads, tracks, streams, and
1864	lakes, and that are indicated upon current census maps, official
1865	Department of Transportation maps, official municipal maps,
1866	official county maps, or a combination of such maps;
1867	4.  Boundaries of public parks, public school grounds, or
1868	churches; or
1869	5.  Boundaries of counties, incorporated municipalities, or
1870	other political subdivisions that meet criteria established by
1871	the United States Census Bureau for block boundaries.
1872	(d)  Until July 1, 2012, a supervisor may apply for and
1873	obtain from the Secretary of State a waiver of the requirement
1874	in paragraph (c).
1875	Section 30.  Subsections (1) and (3) of section 101.043,
1876	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1877	101.043  Identification required at polls.--
1878	(1)  The precinct register, as prescribed in s. 98.461,
1879	shall be used at the polls in lieu of the registration books for
1880	the purpose of identifying the elector at the polls prior to
1881	allowing him or her to vote. The clerk or inspector shall
1882	require each elector, upon entering the polling place, to
1883	present one of the following a current and valid picture
1884	identifications:
1885	(a)  Florida driver's license.
1886	(b)  Florida identification card issued by the Department
1887	of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
1888	(c)  United States passport.
1889	(d)  Employee badge or identification.
1890	(e)  Buyer's club identification.
1891	(f)  Debit or credit card.
1892	(g)  Military identification.
1893	(h)  Student identification.
1894	(i)  Retirement center identification.
1895	(j)  Neighborhood association identification.
1896	(k)  Public assistance identification as provided in s.
1897	97.0535(3)(a).
1898
1899	If the picture identification does not contain the signature of
1900	the voter, an additional identification that provides the
1901	voter's signature shall be required. The elector shall sign his
1902	or her name in the space provided on the precinct register or on
1903	an electronic device provided for recording the voter's
1904	signature., and The clerk or inspector shall compare the
1905	signature with that on the identification provided by the
1906	elector and enter his or her initials in the space provided on
1907	the precinct register or on an electronic device provided for
1908	that purpose and allow the elector to vote if the clerk or
1909	inspector is satisfied as to the identity of the elector.
1910	(3)  If the elector who fails to furnish the required
1911	identification is an elector subject to s. 97.0535 a first-time
1912	voter who registered by mail and has not provided the required
1913	identification to a voter registration official the supervisor
1914	of elections prior to election day, the elector shall be allowed
1915	to vote a provisional ballot. The canvassing board shall
1916	determine the validity of the ballot pursuant to s. 101.048(2).
1917	Section 31.  Subsections (2) and (3) of section 101.045,
1918	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1919	101.045  Electors must be registered in precinct;
1920	provisions for residence or name change.--
1921	(2)(a)  An elector who moves from the precinct within the
1922	county in which the elector is registered may be permitted to
1923	vote in the precinct to which he or she has moved his or her
1924	legal residence, provided such elector completes an affirmation
1925	in substantially the following form:
1926	Change of Legal Residence of Registered
1927	Voter
1928
1929	Under penalties for false swearing, I,  (Name of voter)  , swear
1930	(or affirm) that the former address of my legal residence was
1931	(Address of legal residence)  in the municipality of _____, in
1932	_____ County, Florida, and I was registered to vote in the _____
1933	precinct of _____ County, Florida; that I have not voted in the
1934	precinct of my former registration in this election; that I now
1935	reside at  (Address of legal residence)  in the Municipality of
1936	_____, in _____ County, Florida, and am therefore eligible to
1937	vote in the _____ precinct of _____ County, Florida; and I
1938	further swear (or affirm) that I am otherwise legally registered
1939	and entitled to vote.
1940	(Signature of voter whose address of legal
1941	residence has changed)
1942	(b)  An elector whose name changes because of marriage or
1943	other legal process may be permitted to vote, provided such
1944	elector completes an affirmation in substantially the following
1945	form:
1946	Change of Name of Registered
1947	Voter
1948
1949	Under penalties for false swearing, I, (New name of voter)  ,
1950	swear (or affirm) that my name has been changed
1951	because of marriage or other legal process. My former name and
1952	address of legal residence appear on the registration records
1953	books of precinct _____ as follows:
1954	Name
1955	Address
1956	Municipality
1957	County
1958	Florida, Zip
1959	My present name and address of legal residence are as follows:
1960	Name
1961	Address
1962	Municipality
1963	County
1964	Florida, Zip
1965	and I further swear (or affirm) that I am otherwise legally
1966	registered and entitled to vote.
1967	(Signature of voter whose name has changed)
1968	(c)  Such affirmation, when completed and presented at the
1969	precinct in which such elector is entitled to vote, and upon
1970	verification of the elector's registration, shall entitle such
1971	elector to vote as provided in this subsection. If the elector's
1972	eligibility to vote cannot be determined, he or she shall be
1973	entitled to vote a provisional ballot, subject to the
1974	requirements and procedures in s. 101.048. Upon receipt of an
1975	affirmation certifying a change in address of legal residence or
1976	name, the supervisor shall as soon as practicable make the
1977	necessary changes in the statewide voter registration system
1978	records of the county to indicate the change in address of legal
1979	residence or name of such elector.
1980	(d)  Instead of the affirmation contained in paragraph (a)
1981	or paragraph (b), an elector may complete a voter registration
1982	application that indicates the change of name or change of
1983	address of legal residence.
1984	(e)  A request for an absentee ballot pursuant to s. 101.62
1985	which indicates that the elector has had a change of address of
1986	legal residence from that in the supervisor's records shall be
1987	sufficient as the notice to the supervisor of change of address
1988	of legal residence required by this section. Upon receipt of
1989	such request for an absentee ballot from an elector who has
1990	changed his or her address of legal residence, the supervisor
1991	shall provide the elector with the proper ballot for the
1992	precinct in which the elector then has his or her legal
1993	residence.
1994	(3)  When an elector's name does not appear on the
1995	registration books of the election precinct in which the elector
1996	is registered, the elector may have his or her name restored if
1997	the supervisor is otherwise satisfied that the elector is
1998	validly registered, that the elector's name has been erroneously
1999	omitted from the books, and that the elector is entitled to have
2000	his or her name restored. The supervisor, if he or she is
2001	satisfied as to the elector's previous registration, shall allow
2002	such person to vote and shall thereafter issue a duplicate
2003	registration identification card.
2004	Section 32.  Subsection (1) of section 101.048, Florida
2005	Statutes, is amended to read:
2006	101.048  Provisional ballots.--
2007	(1)  At all elections, a voter claiming to be properly
2008	registered in the state county and eligible to vote at the
2009	precinct in the election, but whose eligibility cannot be
2010	determined, and other persons specified in the code shall be
2011	entitled to vote a provisional ballot. Once voted, the
2012	provisional ballot shall be placed in a secrecy envelope and
2013	thereafter sealed in a provisional ballot envelope. The
2014	provisional ballot shall be deposited in a ballot box. All
2015	provisional ballots shall remain sealed in their envelopes for
2016	return to the supervisor of elections. The department shall
2017	prescribe the form of the provisional ballot envelope.
2018	Section 33.  Effective January 1, 2007, subsection (1) of
2019	section 101.161, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
2020	101.161  Referenda; ballots.--
2021	(1)  Whenever a constitutional amendment or other public
2022	measure is submitted to the vote of the people, the substance of
2023	such amendment or other public measure shall be printed in clear
2024	and unambiguous language on the ballot after the list of
2025	candidates, followed by the word "yes" and also by the word
2026	"no," and shall be styled in such a manner that a "yes" vote
2027	will indicate approval of the proposal and a "no" vote will
2028	indicate rejection. The wording of the substance of the
2029	amendment or other public measure and the ballot title to appear
2030	on the ballot shall be embodied in the joint resolution,
2031	constitutional revision commission proposal, constitutional
2032	convention proposal, taxation and budget reform commission
2033	proposal, or enabling resolution or ordinance. Except for
2034	amendments and ballot language proposed by joint resolution, the
2035	substance of the amendment or other public measure shall be an
2036	explanatory statement, not exceeding 75 words in length, of the
2037	chief purpose of the measure. In addition, for every amendment
2038	proposed by initiative, the ballot shall include, following the
2039	ballot summary, a separate financial impact statement concerning
2040	the measure prepared by the Financial Impact Estimating
2041	Conference in accordance with s. 100.371(5)(6). The ballot title
2042	shall consist of a caption, not exceeding 15 words in length, by
2043	which the measure is commonly referred to or spoken of.
2044	Section 34.  Subsection (2) of section 101.56062, Florida
2045	Statutes, as created by chapter 2002-281, Laws of Florida, is
2046	amended to read:
2047	101.56062  Standards for accessible voting systems.--
2048	(2)  Such voting system must include at least one
2049	accessible voter interface device installed in each polling
2050	place precinct which meets the requirements of this section,
2051	except for paragraph (1)(d).
2052	Section 35.  Subsection (1) of section 101.5608, Florida
2053	Statutes, is amended to read:
2054	101.5608  Voting by electronic or electromechanical method;
2055	procedures.--
2056	(1)  Each elector desiring to vote shall be identified to
2057	the clerk or inspector of the election as a duly qualified
2058	elector of such election and shall sign his or her name on the
2059	in ink or indelible pencil to an identification blank, signature
2060	slip, precinct register, or other form or device provided by the
2061	supervisor ballot stub on which the ballot serial number may be
2062	recorded. The inspector shall compare the signature with the
2063	signature on the identification provided by the elector. If the
2064	inspector is reasonably sure that the person is entitled to
2065	vote, the inspector shall provide the person with a ballot.
2066	Section 36.  Effective August 1, 2006, section 101.573,
2067	Florida Statutes, is created to read:
2068	101.573  Record of votes by precinct.--
2069	(1)  Within 75 days after the date of a municipal election
2070	or runoff, whichever occurs later, a presidential preference
2071	primary, or a general election, the supervisor of elections
2072	shall file with the Department of State precinct-level election
2073	results for that election cycle, including any primary
2074	elections. Precinct-level election results shall record for each
2075	precinct the returns of ballots cast at the precinct location to
2076	which have been added the returns of absentee and early ballots
2077	cast by voters registered in the precinct.
2078	(2)  The Department of State shall adopt rules pursuant to
2079	ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 prescribing the form by which
2080	supervisors of elections shall submit election results for each
2081	precinct.
2082	Section 37.  Effective January 1, 2007, paragraph (a) of
2083	subsection (4) of section 101.62, Florida Statutes, is amended
2084	to read:
2085	101.62  Request for absentee ballots.--
2086	(4)(a)  To each absent qualified elector overseas who has
2087	requested an absentee ballot, the supervisor of elections shall,
2088	not fewer than 35 days before the first primary election, mail
2089	an absentee ballot. Not fewer than 45 days before the second
2090	primary and general election, the supervisor of elections shall
2091	mail an advance absentee ballot to those persons requesting
2092	ballots for such elections. The advance absentee ballot for the
2093	second primary shall be the same as the first primary absentee
2094	ballot as to the names of candidates, except that for any
2095	offices where there are only two candidates, those offices and
2096	all political party executive committee offices shall be
2097	omitted. Except as provided in ss. 99.063(4) and 100.371(5)(6),
2098	the advance absentee ballot for the general election shall be as
2099	specified in s. 101.151, except that in the case of candidates
2100	of political parties where nominations were not made in the
2101	first primary, the names of the candidates placing first and
2102	second in the first primary election shall be printed on the
2103	advance absentee ballot. The advance absentee ballot or advance
2104	absentee ballot information booklet shall be of a different
2105	color for each election and also a different color from the
2106	absentee ballots for the first primary, second primary, and
2107	general election. The supervisor shall mail an advance absentee
2108	ballot for the second primary and general election to each
2109	qualified absent elector for whom a request is received until
2110	the absentee ballots are printed. The supervisor shall enclose
2111	with the advance second primary absentee ballot and advance
2112	general election absentee ballot an explanation stating that the
2113	absentee ballot for the election will be mailed as soon as it is
2114	printed; and, if both the advance absentee ballot and the
2115	absentee ballot for the election are returned in time to be
2116	counted, only the absentee ballot will be counted. The
2117	Department of State may prescribe by rule the requirements for
2118	preparing and mailing absentee ballots to absent qualified
2119	electors overseas.
2120	Section 38.  Subsection (3) is added to section 101.64,
2121	Florida Statutes, to read:
2122	101.64  Delivery of absentee ballots; envelopes; form.--
2123	(3)  The supervisor shall mark, code, indicate on, or
2124	otherwise track the precinct of the absent elector for each
2125	absentee ballot.
2126	Section 39.  Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
2127	101.657, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
2128	101.657  Early voting.--
2129	(1)(a)  The supervisor of elections shall allow an elector
2130	to vote early in the main or branch office of the supervisor by
2131	depositing the voted ballot in a voting device used by the
2132	supervisor to collect or tabulate ballots. The supervisor shall
2133	mark, code, indicate on, or otherwise track the voter's precinct
2134	for each early voted ballot. In order for a branch office to be
2135	used for early voting, it shall be a full-service facility of
2136	the supervisor and shall have been designated as such at least 1
2137	year prior to the election. The supervisor may designate any
2138	city hall or public library as early voting sites; however, if
2139	so designated, the sites must be geographically located so as to
2140	provide all voters in the county an equal opportunity to cast a
2141	ballot, insofar as is practicable. The results or tabulation may
2142	not be made before the close of the polls on election day.
2143	Section 40.  Section 101.663, Florida Statutes, is amended
2144	to read:
2145	101.663  Electors; change of residence to another state.--
2146	(1)  An elector who changes his or her residence to another
2147	county in Florida from the county in Florida in which he or she
2148	is registered as an elector after the books in the county to
2149	which the elector has changed his or her residence are closed
2150	for any general, primary, or special election shall be permitted
2151	to vote absentee in the county of his or her former residence in
2152	that election for President and Vice President, United States
2153	Senator, statewide offices, and statewide issues. Such person
2154	shall not be permitted to vote in the county of the person's
2155	former residence after the general election.
2156	(2)  An elector registered in this state who moves his or
2157	her permanent residence to another state and who is prohibited
2158	by the laws of that state from voting for the offices of
2159	President and Vice President of the United States shall be
2160	permitted to vote absentee in the county of his or her former
2161	residence for those offices.
2162	Section 41.  Subsection (1) of section 101.6921, Florida
2163	Statutes, is amended to read:
2164	101.6921  Delivery of special absentee ballot to certain
2165	first-time voters.--
2166	(1)  The provisions of this section apply to voters who are
2167	subject to the provisions of s. 97.0535 registered to vote by
2168	mail, who have not previously voted in the county, and who have
2169	not provided the identification or certification required by s.
2170	97.0535 by the time the absentee ballot is mailed.
2171	Section 42.  Section 101.6923, Florida Statutes, is amended
2172	to read:
2173	101.6923  Special absentee ballot instructions for certain
2174	first-time voters.--
2175	(1)  The provisions of this section apply to voters who are
2176	subject to the provisions of s. 97.0535 registered to vote by
2177	mail, who have not previously voted in the county, and who have
2178	not provided the identification or information required by s.
2179	97.0535 by the time the absentee ballot is mailed.
2180	(2)  A voter covered by this section shall be provided with
2181	the following printed instructions with his or her absentee
2182	ballot in substantially the following form:
2183
2184	READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE MARKING
2185	YOUR BALLOT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
2186	MAY CAUSE YOUR BALLOT NOT TO COUNT.
2187	1.  In order to ensure that your absentee ballot will be
2188	counted, it should be completed and returned as soon as possible
2189	so that it can reach the supervisor of elections of the county
2190	in which your precinct is located no later than 7 p.m. on the
2191	date of the election.
2192	2.  Mark your ballot in secret as instructed on the ballot.
2193	You must mark your own ballot unless you are unable to do so
2194	because of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write.
2195	3.  Mark only the number of candidates or issue choices for
2196	a race as indicated on the ballot. If you are allowed to "Vote
2197	for One" candidate and you vote for more than one, your vote in
2198	that race will not be counted.
2199	4.  Place your marked ballot in the enclosed secrecy
2200	envelope and seal the envelope.
2201	5.  Insert the secrecy envelope into the enclosed envelope
2202	bearing the Voter's Certificate. Seal the envelope and
2203	completely fill out the Voter's Certificate on the back of the
2204	envelope.
2205	a.  You must sign your name on the line above (Voter's
2206	Signature).
2207	b.  If you are an overseas voter, you must include the date
2208	you signed the Voter's Certificate on the line above (Date) or
2209	your ballot may not be counted.
2210	6.  Unless you meet one of the exemptions in Item 7., you
2211	must make a copy of one of the following forms of
2212	identification:
2213	a.  Identification which must include your name and
2214	photograph: current and valid Florida driver's license; Florida
2215	identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety
2216	and Motor Vehicles; United States passport; employee badge or
2217	identification; buyer's club identification card; debit or
2218	credit card; military identification; student identification;
2219	retirement center identification; neighborhood association
2220	identification; entertainment identification; or public
2221	assistance identification; or
2222	b.  Identification which shows your name and current
2223	residence address: current utility bill, bank statement,
2224	government check, paycheck, or government document (excluding
2225	voter identification card).
2226	7.  The identification requirements of Item 6. do not apply
2227	if you meet one of the following requirements:
2228	a.  You are 65 years of age or older.
2229	b.  You have a temporary or permanent physical disability.
2230	c.  You are a member of a uniformed service on active duty
2231	who, by reason of such active duty, will be absent from the
2232	county on election day.
2233	d.  You are a member of the Merchant Marine who, by reason
2234	of service in the Merchant Marine, will be absent from the
2235	county on election day.
2236	e.  You are the spouse or dependent of a member referred to
2237	in paragraph c. or paragraph d. who, by reason of the active
2238	duty or service of the member, will be absent from the county on
2239	election day.
2240	f.  You are currently residing outside the United States.
2241	8.  Place the envelope bearing the Voter's Certificate into
2242	the mailing envelope addressed to the supervisor. Insert a copy
2243	of your identification in the mailing envelope. DO NOT PUT YOUR
2244	IDENTIFICATION INSIDE THE SECRECY ENVELOPE WITH THE BALLOT OR
2245	INSIDE THE ENVELOPE WHICH BEARS THE VOTER'S CERTIFICATE OR YOUR
2246	BALLOT WILL NOT COUNT.
2247	9.  Mail, deliver, or have delivered the completed mailing
2248	envelope. Be sure there is sufficient postage if mailed.
2249	10.  FELONY NOTICE. It is a felony under Florida law to
2250	accept any gift, payment, or gratuity in exchange for your vote
2251	for a candidate. It is also a felony under Florida law to vote
2252	in an election using a false identity or false address, or under
2253	any other circumstances making your ballot false or fraudulent.
2254	Section 43.  Subsection (3) of section 102.012, Florida
2255	Statutes, is amended to read:
2256	102.012  Inspectors and clerks to conduct elections.--
2257	(3)  The supervisor shall furnish inspectors of election
2258	for each precinct with the list of registered electors for that
2259	precinct registration books divided alphabetically as will best
2260	facilitate the holding of an election. The supervisor shall also
2261	furnish to the inspectors of election at the polling place at
2262	each precinct in the supervisor's county a sufficient number of
2263	forms and blanks for use on election day.
2264	Section 44.  Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section
2265	104.013, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
2266	104.013  Unauthorized use, possession, or destruction of
2267	voter information registration identification card.--
2268	(1)  It is unlawful for any person knowingly to have in his
2269	or her possession any blank, forged, stolen, fictitious,
2270	counterfeit, or unlawfully issued voter information registration
2271	identification card unless possession by such person has been
2272	duly authorized by the supervisor.
2273	(2)  It is unlawful for any person to barter, trade, sell,
2274	or give away a voter information registration identification
2275	card unless said person has been duly authorized to issue a
2276	voter information registration identification card.
2277	(3)  It is unlawful for any person willfully to destroy or
2278	deface the information registration identification card of a
2279	duly registered voter.
2280	Section 45.  Effective upon becoming a law, subsection (7)
2281	is added to section 106.0705, Florida Statutes, to read:
2282	106.0705  Electronic filing of campaign treasurer's
2283	reports.--
2284	(7)  Notwithstanding anything in law to the contrary, any
2285	report required to have been filed under this section for the
2286	period ended March 31, 2005, shall be deemed to have been timely
2287	filed if the report is filed under this section on or before
2288	June 1, 2005.
2289	Section 46.  Subsection (2) of section 106.08, Florida
2290	Statutes, is amended to read:
2291	106.08  Contributions; limitations on.--
2292	(2)(a)  A candidate may not accept contributions from
2293	national, state, including any subordinate committee of a
2294	national, state, or county committee of a political party, and
2295	county executive committees of a political party, which
2296	contributions in the aggregate exceed $50,000, no more than
2297	$25,000 of which may be accepted prior to the 28-day period
2298	immediately preceding the date of the general election.
2299	(b)  A candidate for statewide office may not accept
2300	contributions from national, state, or county executive
2301	committees of a political party, including any subordinate
2302	committee of a national, state, or county committee of a
2303	political party, which contributions in the aggregate exceed
2304	$250,000, no more than $125,000 of which may be accepted prior
2305	to the 28-day period immediately preceding the date of the
2306	general election. Polling services, research services, costs for
2307	campaign staff, professional consulting services, and telephone
2308	calls are not contributions to be counted toward the
2309	contribution limits of paragraph (a) or paragraph (b).  Any item
2310	not expressly identified in this paragraph as nonallocable is a
2311	contribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the
2312	item and must be counted as allocable toward the $50,000
2313	contribution limits of paragraph (a) or paragraph (b).
2314	Nonallocable, in-kind contributions must be reported by the
2315	candidate under s. 106.07 and by the political party under s.
2316	106.29.
2317	Section 47.  Subsection (3) of section 106.33, Florida
2318	Statutes, is amended to read:
2319	106.33  Election campaign financing; eligibility.--Each
2320	candidate for the office of Governor or member of the Cabinet
2321	who desires to receive contributions from the Election Campaign
2322	Financing Trust Fund shall, upon qualifying for office, file a
2323	request for such contributions with the filing officer on forms
2324	provided by the Division of Elections.  If a candidate
2325	requesting contributions from the fund desires to have such
2326	funds distributed by electronic fund transfers, the request
2327	shall include information necessary to implement that procedure.
2328	For the purposes of ss. 106.30-106.36, candidates for Governor
2329	and Lieutenant Governor on the same ticket shall be considered
2330	as a single candidate.  To be eligible to receive contributions
2331	from the fund, a candidate may not be an unopposed candidate as
2332	defined in s. 106.011(15) and must:
2333	(3)  Limit loans or contributions from the candidate's
2334	personal funds to $25,000 and contributions from national,
2335	state, and county executive committees of a political party to
2336	$250,000 $25,000 in the aggregate, which loans or contributions
2337	shall not qualify for meeting the threshold amounts in
2338	subsection (2).
2339	Section 48.  Section 106.34, Florida Statutes, is amended
2340	to read:
2341	106.34  Expenditure limits.--
2342	(1)  Any candidate for Governor and Lieutenant Governor or
2343	Cabinet officer who requests contributions from the Election
2344	Campaign Financing Trust Fund shall limit his or her total
2345	expenditures as follows:
2346	(a)  Governor and Lieutenant Governor: $2.00 for each
2347	Florida-registered voter $5 million.
2348	(b)  Cabinet officer: $1.00 for each Florida-registered
2349	voter $2 million.
2350	(2)  The expenditure limit for any candidate with primary
2351	election opposition only shall be 60 percent of the limit
2352	provided in subsection (1).
2353	(3)  For purposes of this section, "Florida-registered
2354	voter" means a voter who is registered to vote in Florida as of
2355	June 30 of each odd-numbered year.  The Division of Elections
2356	shall certify the total number of Florida-registered voters no
2357	later than July 31 of each odd-numbered year. Such total number
2358	shall be calculated by adding the number of registered voters in
2359	each county as of June 30 in the year of the certification date.
2360	For the 2006 general election, the Division of Elections shall
2361	certify the total number of Florida-registered voters by July
2362	31, 2005. The expenditure limit shall be adjusted by the
2363	Secretary of State quadrennially to reflect the rate of
2364	inflation or deflation as indicated in the Consumer Price Index
2365	for All Urban Consumers, U.S. City Average, All Items, 1967=100,
2366	or successor reports as reported by the United States Department
2367	of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2368	(4)  For the purposes of this section, the term
2369	"expenditure" does not include the payment of compensation for
2370	legal and accounting services rendered on behalf of a candidate.
2371	Section 49.  Section 196.141, Florida Statutes, is amended
2372	to read:
2373	196.141  Homestead exemptions; duty of property appraiser.-
2374	-
2375	(1)  The property appraiser shall examine each claim for
2376	exemption filed with or referred to him or her and shall allow
2377	the same, if found to be in accordance with law, by marking the
2378	same approved and by making the proper deductions on the tax
2379	books.
2380	(2)  The property appraiser shall examine each referral, of
2381	a person registering to vote at an address different from the
2382	one where the person has filed for a homestead exemption, which
2383	has been provided by a supervisor of elections pursuant to s.
2384	98.015. The property appraiser shall initiate procedures to
2385	terminate a person's homestead exemption and assess back taxes,
2386	if appropriate, if the person claiming such exemption is not
2387	entitled to the exemption under law.
2388	Section 50.  Subsection (4) of section 120.54, Florida
2389	Statutes, is amended to read:
2390	120.54  Rulemaking.--
2391	(4)  EMERGENCY RULES.--
2392	(a)  If an agency finds that an immediate danger to the
2393	public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action, the
2394	agency may adopt any rule necessitated by the immediate danger.
2395	The agency may adopt a rule by any procedure which is fair under
2396	the circumstances if:
2397	1.  The procedure provides at least the procedural
2398	protection given by other statutes, the State Constitution, or
2399	the United States Constitution.
2400	2.  The agency takes only that action necessary to protect
2401	the public interest under the emergency procedure.
2402	3.  The agency publishes in writing at the time of, or
2403	prior to, its action the specific facts and reasons for finding
2404	an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare and
2405	its reasons for concluding that the procedure used is fair under
2406	the circumstances. In any event, notice of emergency rules,
2407	other than those of educational units or units of government
2408	with jurisdiction in only one or a part of one county, including
2409	the full text of the rules, shall be published in the first
2410	available issue of the Florida Administrative Weekly and
2411	provided to the committee. The agency's findings of immediate
2412	danger, necessity, and procedural fairness shall be judicially
2413	reviewable.
2414	(b)  Rules pertaining to the public health, safety, or
2415	welfare shall include rules pertaining to perishable
2416	agricultural commodities or rules pertaining to the
2417	interpretation and implementation of the requirements of
2418	chapters 97 through 102 and 105 of the Election Code.
2419	(c)  An emergency rule adopted under this subsection shall
2420	not be effective for a period longer than 90 days and shall not
2421	be renewable, except during the pendency of a challenge to
2422	proposed rules addressing the subject of the emergency rule.
2423	However, the agency may take identical action by the rulemaking
2424	procedures specified in this chapter.
2425	(d)  Subject to applicable constitutional and statutory
2426	provisions, an emergency rule becomes effective immediately on
2427	filing, or on a date less than 20 days thereafter if specified
2428	in the rule, if the adopting agency finds that such effective
2429	date is necessary because of immediate danger to the public
2430	health, safety, or welfare.
2431	Section 51.  Subsection (1) of section 99.061, Florida
2432	Statutes, is amended to read:
2433	99.061  Method of qualifying for nomination or election to
2434	federal, state, county, or district office.--
2435	(1)  The provisions of any special act to the contrary
2436	notwithstanding, each person seeking to qualify for nomination
2437	or election to a federal, state, or multicounty district office,
2438	other than election to a judicial office as defined in chapter
2439	105 or the office of school board member, shall file his or her
2440	qualification papers with, and pay the qualifying fee, which
2441	shall consist of the filing fee and election assessment, and
2442	party assessment, if any has been levied, to, the Department of
2443	State, or qualify by the alternative method with the Department
2444	of State, at any time after noon of the 1st day for qualifying,
2445	which shall be as follows:  the 120th day prior to the first
2446	primary, but not later than noon of the 116th day prior to the
2447	date of the first primary, for persons seeking to qualify for
2448	nomination or election to federal office or the office of the
2449	state attorney or public defender; and noon of the 50th day
2450	prior to the first primary, but not later than noon of the 46th
2451	day prior to the date of the first primary, for persons seeking
2452	to qualify for nomination or election to a state or multicounty
2453	district office, other than the office of state attorney or
2454	public defender.
2455	Section 52.  Subsection (4) of section 322.142, Florida
2456	Statutes, is amended to read:
2457	322.142  Color photographic or digital imaged licenses.--
2458	(4)  The department may maintain a film negative or print
2459	file. The department shall maintain a record of the digital
2460	image and signature of the licensees, together with other data
2461	required by the department for identification and retrieval.
2462	Reproductions from the file or digital record shall be made and
2463	issued only for departmental administrative purposes; for the
2464	issuance of duplicate licenses; in response to law enforcement
2465	agency requests; to the Department of State pursuant to an
2466	interagency agreement to facilitate determinations of
2467	eligibility of voter registration applicants and registered
2468	voters in accordance with ss. 98.045 and 98.075; to the
2469	Department of Revenue pursuant to an interagency agreement to
2470	facilitate service of process in Title IV-D cases; or to the
2471	Department of Financial Services pursuant to an interagency
2472	agreement to facilitate the location of owners of unclaimed
2473	property, the validation of unclaimed property claims, and the
2474	identification of fraudulent or false claims, and are exempt
2475	from the provisions of s. 119.07(1).
2476	Section 53.  Absentee ballots and voting; violations.--Any
2477	person who provides or offers to provide, and any person who
2478	accepts, a pecuniary or other benefit in exchange for
2479	distributing, ordering, requesting, collecting, delivering, or
2480	otherwise physically possessing absentee ballots, with intent to
2481	alter, change, modify, or erase any vote on the absentee ballot,
2482	except as provided in sections 101.6105-101.695, Florida
2483	Statutes, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as
2484	provided in section 775.082, section 775.083, or section
2485	775.084, Florida Statutes.
2486	Section 54.  Subsection (1) of section 104.047, Florida
2487	Statutes, is repealed.
2488	Section 55.  Sections 98.055, 98.095, 98.0977, 98.0979,
2489	98.101, 98.181, 98.231, 98.451, 98.481, and 101.635, Florida
2490	Statutes, are repealed.
2491	Section 56.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
2492	act and except for this section, which shall take effect upon
2493	becoming a law, this act shall take effect January 1, 2006.

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