SECTION 1.  The secretary of the commonwealth is hereby authorized and directed to expend an amount not exceeding $150,000 to study the feasibility of online voter registration in the commonwealth.  This study shall include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the administrative, technological and financial implications of establishing a system by which commonwealth citizens may register to vote online.  Said study shall document the requirements necessary to create a system which allows for efficient and verified online voter registration in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws.  The secretary shall include his recommendations for establishing an online voter registration system and, if indicated by his findings, shall provide draft legislation to create this online voter registration system.  The secretary shall complete this study no later than October 16, 2013 and shall submit his findings and recommendations to the joint committee on election laws not later than December 18, 2013.