Bill > AB1079

This bill amends California civil procedure laws to prevent automatic stays of enforcement for certain voting rights and election district cases. Specifically, the bill provides that when a trial court finds that a party's election method or district boundaries likely violate either the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 or the FAIR MAPS Act of 2023, the enforcement of a court order cannot be automatically paused by filing an appeal. The bill allows the Secretary of State to request a stay if it is necessary for orderly election administration. Additionally, the party found to have violated these voting rights laws must reimburse county election officials for any costs incurred in administering elections as a result of the court's order. The legislation aims to prevent vote dilution and ensure prompt implementation of remedial measures to protect minority voting rights, recognizing that electoral harm can be difficult to repair after an election has already occurred. These provisions do not apply to legal proceedings commenced on or before January 1, 2026, that involve causes of action under these specific voting rights laws.

Government Affairs, Justice

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