Bill > AB1079

This bill amends California civil procedure law to address how appeals are handled in cases involving voting rights and election district boundaries. Specifically, the bill provides that when a trial court finds that a party's at-large election method or election district boundaries likely violate the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 or the FAIR MAPS Act of 2023, the normal automatic stay of enforcement during an appeal will not apply. This means that court-ordered changes to election methods or boundaries can be implemented immediately, even if the losing party appeals the decision. The bill allows the Secretary of State to request a stay of enforcement if they determine it is necessary for the orderly administration of elections. Additionally, the party found to be in violation of these voting rights laws will be required to reimburse county election officials for any costs incurred in administering elections as a result of implementing the court's order. The bill aims to prevent delays in correcting potentially discriminatory or improper election practices and ensures that voting rights protections can be more quickly and effectively implemented. These provisions will apply to legal proceedings commenced after January 1, 2026, related to these specific voting rights laws.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1079