summary
Introduced
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to elections affected by disasters; amending s. 101.733, F.S.; requiring that a certain notice be posted on affected municipalities’ websites; requiring supervisors of elections to also notify voters using specified means; requiring the Division of Elections to provide and present a certain contingency plan to the Legislature; providing that such presentation is a public record; requiring the Secretary of State to consider certain sectors when assessing the impact on their jurisdiction and the ability of voters to participate in elections; requiring that voters be able to perform specified actions under certain conditions; requiring the division to perform specified actions under certain conditions; requiring that certain information be provided in a specified manner and updated in real time as changes are made; requiring the division to maintain a specified number of strategic elections equipment reserves in specified locations; requiring that such reserves be deployed for certain purposes; requiring that the reserves include certain equipment; authorizing the division to contract with a state approved vendor for such equipment; requiring that, under specified conditions, election officials be able to perform specified actions; requiring certain counties and municipalities to update their websites to include specified information; providing that specified criminal penalties do not apply under specified conditions; amending s. 101.62, F.S.; providing that the use of the uniform statewide ballot application may not be required for requests for vote by-mail ballots from certain voters; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 101.657, F.S.; authorizing that certain locations be designated as early voting locations; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 102.141, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 104.0616, F.S.; providing an exemption from criminal penalties to conform to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill enhances election procedures and voter protections during disasters or emergencies, focusing primarily on ensuring voters can participate in elections even when facing significant disruptions. The bill requires the Division of Elections to develop a comprehensive contingency plan that provides specific guidance for state and local election officials when an election is suspended or delayed due to an emergency. Key provisions include requiring supervisors of elections to notify voters through multiple communication channels, mandating that the Division of Elections maintain strategic election equipment reserves in different parts of the state, and establishing specific voter rights in counties designated as emergency areas. These rights include the ability to request vote-by-mail ballots through various means, return ballots to any county, drop ballots at multiple locations, and receive extended deadlines for ballot submission and signature curing. The bill also allows for more flexible early voting procedures, such as designating additional voting sites and extending voting hours, and requires affected counties and municipalities to update their websites with clear, real-time information about voting changes. Additionally, the bill provides some flexibility in criminal penalties related to ballot handling during emergencies, aimed at facilitating voter participation while maintaining election integrity.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Died in Ethics and Elections (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1486 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1486/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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