HB 7143 Summary

• Creates section 97.0525, Florida Statutes, requiring the Division of Elections to establish a secure online voter registration system beginning October 1, 2017.

• Permits applicants to submit online voter registration applications, including first-time registrations and updates, with required submission of information to establish voting eligibility and oath requirements.

• Requires the system to compare submitted Florida driver license or identification numbers with Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles records to verify applicant identity; if verified, transmits application with digital signature to supervisor of elections; if unverified, directs applicant to print and manually deliver application.

• Mandates system compliance with federal accessibility standards including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to ensure access for voters with disabilities.

• Appropriates $1.8 million in nonrecurring General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2015-2016 to implement the act; requires Division of Elections to report to Legislature by January 1, 2016 on implementation progress and timeframes.