Bill > SB1360

This bill, the Elections: Translation of Election Materials Act, aims to enhance language accessibility in elections by expanding the requirements for providing translated election materials. It mandates that by December 15, 2028, and every five years thereafter, the Secretary of State will identify counties and other political subdivisions where at least 5,000 voting-age citizens, or 5% of voting-age citizens, are limited English proficient and belong to a single language minority or speak a shared language. For elections occurring before December 15, 2028, identified political subdivisions must provide translated materials in any language meeting these criteria or in languages required by the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, which mandates language assistance in areas with significant language minority populations. The bill requires elections officials in these identified areas to translate official and sample ballots, voter registration forms, and election notices, and to ensure a sufficient number of bilingual election workers are available. It also requires state agencies to translate election-related materials they provide in these areas and allows the Secretary of State to mandate translations for languages not meeting the criteria if a significant need is demonstrated. The bill also makes various conforming changes to existing election laws and acknowledges that these new duties may create state-mandated local programs, with provisions for reimbursement if costs are incurred.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1360