It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 17-19 of the General Laws entitled "Conduct of Election, and Voting Machines, and Supplies" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

{ADD 17-19-23.3. Trainee election officials -- High school students. -- Notwithstanding any other requirements of this chapter, a student enrolled in a high school in the state of Rhode Island, who is a United States citizen, who attained the age of sixteen (16) is eligible to be appointed as a trainee election official in the municipality in which the student resides to perform duties under the direction of or in assistance to a qualified election official, as may be determined by the local board of canvassers, but may not be assigned to the polling place in lieu of a regularly trained and certified election official. The student shall be appointed without party affiliation and shall submit to the secretary of state (a) a certificate by parent or guardian authorizing the appointment and allowing the student to be excused from school; (b) a certificate, signed by the principal of the student's high school, certifying that the student is performing at an academic level deemed acceptable by said principal. The student must further meet any qualifications set forth by the secretary of state. The secretary of state may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate this section. The trainee may be compensated by the municipality for his service at the same rate fixed for election officials generally. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.