Subcommittee advances bill allowing students to volunteer at polling locations

The Student Academic Success Subcommittee voted unanimously to report HB 461 favorably after hearing from the bill sponsor and several proponents.

Representative Michael, sponsor of HB 461, told the committee the bill "allows students who are registered or pre registered to vote, to volunteer to assist poll workers only to earn community service hours." She said the measure is intended to engage students in civic processes without interfering with instruction by permitting weekend or after‑school participation.

Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland, who testified in support, told lawmakers the idea grew from conversations with youth and a review of current statute. "I researched the statute and right now it's prohibited to volunteer," Holland said, describing the measure as an opportunity for hands‑on civics instruction. League of Women Voters speakers including Deanna Turpinseed and Lynell Filman said the experience would prepare students to be informed voters and help counter misinformation about elections.

Committee members asked how the policy would be applied to pre‑registered 16‑year‑olds and whether volunteer hours would be limited to non‑school time; Representative Michael confirmed students could volunteer on weekends and said she would follow up with election supervisors about operational details.

After a short period for public testimony and debate, the committee called the roll and recorded 16 yeas and 0 nays. Chair Rizzo announced that, "by your vote HB 461 will be reported favorably." The bill will move forward from the subcommittee to the next step in the legislative process.