Senate elections committee advances package of election-related bills including ballot-count deadlines, accessibility and privacy protections

The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments advanced a package of election-related bills at a public hearing; votes sent several measures to fiscal and policy committees for further consideration.

The most prominent items included AB 5 from Assemblymember Phil Berman, which would set a target that the "vast majority" of ballots be counted by the 13th day after an election; AB 287 from Assemblymember Tom Lackey to require accessible parking and curbside voting accommodations at public vote centers; and AB 1392 from Assemblymember Sharp Collins to allow county election officials to keep a candidate’s home address, telephone number and email private during and shortly after a campaign.

Why it matters: The bills would change both operational deadlines and voter-facing aspects of California elections — affecting how quickly results are reported, how voters with disabilities access polling, and how candidate contact information appears in public records. The committee also advanced measures aimed at signature curing, recount procedures, and prohibitions against misleading ballot envelopes or deepfake election communications.

What the committee did and why - AB 5 (Berman): The bill seeks to have the "vast majority" of ballots counted by the 13th day after the election, with a county‑level extension process if extraordinary circumstances prevent meeting the goal. Assemblymember Phil Berman said the measure is intended to "increase transparency in our vote count process to give voters and the public even more confidence" while preserving accessibility and security. Tim Cromartie, representing Secretary of State Shirley Weber, told the committee the office remains opposed and that "15 days would be more prudent." Committee members stated a desire to shorten total certification timelines and to continue working with county officials.

- AB 827 (Berman, signature‑curing provisions): The bill would set a date‑certain deadline for counties to accept cures for missing or nonmatching signatures on vote‑by‑mail envelopes, and to move corresponding notification deadlines so voters have time to cure deficiencies. Assemblymember Berman and county officials said the change would improve certainty for voters; supporters…