Voter registration; restoration of political rights upon release from incarceration.

The document header was changed from 'ENROLLED' to 'OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION' and 'HOUSE BILL NO. 964' with a 'Substitute' designation, indicating this is a revised draft version rather than the final enacted law.

The date associated with the bill was updated from a generic approval status to a specific date of February 24, 2026.

The bill title was slightly modified to explicitly identify it as an 'Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute' proposed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections.

A provision stating the bill would only become effective on January 1, 2027, contingent upon a specific constitutional amendment passing in November 2026, has been removed.

The header and formatting were updated to reflect the final 'Enrolled' status, including the removal of committee referral notes and the addition of approval stamps and page numbering.

Updated the definition of 'qualified voter' to explicitly clarify that persons convicted of felonies are eligible to vote once their civil rights are restored by the Governor or appropriate authority.

Changed the deadline for transmitting information about scheduled inmate releases from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Elections to ensure updates are made before the release date.

Added a new section requiring that formerly incarcerated individuals registering to vote are not required to present evidence of their eligibility, and that registrars must notify applicants if the system incorrectly flags them as ineligible.

Expanded the duties of the Department of Corrections Director to include providing a certified copy of the official release document to inmates upon release to assist with voter registration.

Added new requirements for correctional facilities to establish minimum standards for health care services and to submit quarterly continuous quality improvement reports.

Added requirements for correctional facilities to accommodate inmate participation in telehealth appointments by designating private spaces.

Added requirements for the Director of the Department of Corrections to develop and implement a functional literacy program for inmates testing below the twelfth grade level.