SAVE Act

The deadline for federal agencies to respond to state election official requests for citizenship verification information was shortened from 30 days to 24 hours after receipt of the request.

A new section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to promptly notify the chief state election official when an individual becomes a naturalized citizen.

The obligation to provide citizenship verification information to state election officials was expanded from only the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Social Security Administration to any head of a Federal department or agency possessing relevant information.

States that already had similar requirements (described in subsection c(2)) can now avoid the new provisions of sections 8(i) and (j) if they adopt identical requirements by law or regulation no later than 60 days before the first federal election after enactment.

A new criminal penalty was added for an officer or employee of the executive branch who provides material assistance to a noncitizen in attempting to register to vote or vote in a federal election.

References to 'State official' in the process for applicants without documentary proof were changed to 'State or local official,' expanding which officials can make citizenship determinations and sign affidavits.

A new rule of construction clarifies that the Act does not affect the ability of individuals to cast provisional ballots or have them counted if verified as a citizen under section 8(j).

A new rule of construction clarifies that the Act does not affect any state exemption from requirements of other federal laws besides the National Voter Registration Act.