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Subcommittee unanimously clears bill to let high‑school students volunteer at polling places for community service
Summary
HB 461, presented by Rep. Michaels, would clarify state law to allow eligible high‑school students to volunteer at polling locations to receive community‑service hours; the subcommittee reported the bill favorably, 18–0, after testimony from Duval County Supervisor Jerry Holland addressing liability and civic‑engagement benefits.
The Government Operations Subcommittee unanimously reported HB 461 favorably, approving a bill to clarify that eligible high‑school students who are registered or preregistered to vote may volunteer at polling locations to receive community‑service hours.
Rep. Michaels told the committee the bill is a narrow update to section 97.0291 of Florida statute intended to remove ambiguity about whether student volunteers may assist poll workers for community‑service credit while preserving safeguards against private funding or undue influence in elections. He said the change would help students volunteer during early voting and on weekends without interrupting studies.
Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland testified in support and described the origin of the idea: he said he wanted students to gain meaningful civic experience, not merely low‑value community service tasks. "Why can't we have something they walk away with a meaningful understanding of how we do elections?" Holland asked, adding that supervisors of elections and lead poll workers would assume responsibility for volunteer training and the safety of students at polling sites. When members raised liability concerns, Holland said supervisors accept the same legal responsibilities for volunteers as for poll workers and would train and look after student volunteers.
The League of Women Voters and the Florida PTA waived in support. After limited debate, the subcommittee recorded 18 ayes, 0 nays and showed HB 461 reported favorably.
The bill was presented without amendments and the committee record indicates a unanimous favorable report.
