California AB 2785

Proposition 11, which was approved by the voters at the November 4, 2008, statewide general election, establishes the Citizens Redistricting Commission and requires the commission to adjust the boundary lines of State Senate and Assembly districts. Proposition 11 also requires the Legislature to ensure that a complete and accurate computerized database is available for redistricting, and that the public is given access to redistricting data. Existing law requires each county elections official to compile and make available to the Legislature any information and statistics that may be necessary for use in connection with the reapportionment of legislative districts, including precinct maps and election returns for each precinct. This bill would provide that the information and data compiled by county elections officials may be provided to any appropriate designee of the Legislature. The bill would require each county elections official to also provide a master street index file that may be used to identify the associated precinct for a given street address in the county. The bill would require the Legislature or an appropriate designee, in conjunction with the Secretary of State, to establish a secure electronic process for county elections officials to submit the information and data. The bill would make the complete, unredacted election returns for each precinct confidential, as provided. By requiring county elections officials to perform additional duties, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Within 31 days of an election, upon completion of the official canvass, county elections officials are required to send a complete copy of the election results to the Secretary of State. This bill would require county elections officials to include with the results reported to the Secretary of State the complete, unredacted election returns for each election precinct reflecting the number of registered voters and the vote total for all ballots cast. The bill would require the Secretary of State, upon request, to provide those election returns to the Legislature for any county for which the Legislature has not received the election returns through the secure electronic process described above. Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest. This bill would make legislative findings to that effect. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.