Bill > SB266

This bill enhances language accessibility for voters in California by requiring more comprehensive language assistance and translation services in elections. Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary of State to determine, by December 15, 2029 and every four years thereafter, the number of voting-age residents in each precinct who are members of language minority groups and lack sufficient English skills to vote independently. For counties and precincts where a single language minority group comprises 3% or more of voting-age residents, elections officials will be required to provide ballots, ballot identification envelopes, and related notices and instructions in that group's language starting January 1, 2030. The bill also updates several sections of the Elections Code to improve language assistance, such as allowing county elections officials to select translators who have demonstrated experience in translating official documents, particularly those referred by nonprofit organizations specializing in language access. Additionally, the bill requires posting information about available language assistance at polling places and mandates that the Secretary of State translate certain election-related documents like signature verification notices. The goal is to minimize obstacles to voting for non-English speaking citizens and ensure they can effectively participate in the electoral process.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB266