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Bill > H0231


FL H0231

FL H0231
Nonpartisan Elections for State Attorneys and Public Defenders


summary

Introduced
01/12/2017
In Committee
01/23/2017
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/05/2017

Introduced Session

2017 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Revises provisions governing candidate qualifying to conform with redesignation of offices of state attorney & public defender as nonpartisan offices; removes certain requirements relating to notification & ballot layout, to conform; revises provisions governing candidate qualifying for nonpartisan offices; adds candidates for offices of state attorney & public defender to list of candidates who may qualify for election by specified petition process, in lieu of qualifying fee; requires ballot identify applicable judicial circuit; requires that space be made available on general election ballot if write-in candidate has qualified; prohibits name of an unopposed candidate for office of state attorney or public defender from appearing on any ballot; specifies that qualified elector of judicial circuit is eligible to vote for candidate; specifies applicability of campaign financing & reporting requirements to candidates; prohibits political party or partisan political organization from endorsing, supporting, or assisting any candidate in campaign for election to office of state attorney or public defender; provides penalty.

AI Summary

This bill revises provisions to designate the offices of state attorney and public defender as nonpartisan offices. Key changes include: - Candidates for state attorney and public defender can qualify by petition process, similar to judicial and school board candidates. - Ballots must identify the applicable judicial circuit for state attorney and public defender candidates. - Unopposed state attorney and public defender candidates will not appear on the ballot. - Qualified electors of the judicial circuit can vote for state attorney and public defender candidates. - Campaign finance reporting requirements apply to state attorney and public defender candidates. - Political parties are prohibited from endorsing, supporting, or assisting state attorney and public defender candidates. The bill is intended to make elections for these offices nonpartisan, removing partisan influence and allowing all qualified electors in the judicial circuit to participate.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died in Criminal Justice Subcommittee (on 05/05/2017)

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