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AB 1040

Elections: residency: displacement by natural disaster.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Essayli

AB 1040 - Elections: residency: displacement by natural disaster OverviewBill Number: AB 1040 Title: Elections: residency: displacement by natural disaster Status: Referred to Co

Referred to Com. on ELECTIONS.
#elections #displacementbynaturaldisaster #residency
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Bill Summary · AB 1040

AB 1040 - Elections: residency: displacement by natural disaster

Overview

Bill Number: AB 1040
Title: Elections: residency: displacement by natural disaster
Status: Referred to Com. on ELECTIONS
Introduced: February 20, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of AB 1040 is to address the issue of voter disenfranchisement caused by displacement from natural disasters. The bill aims to ensure that individuals who are displaced from their homes due to a natural disaster are still able to participate in elections by maintaining their residency status for voting purposes.

Key Provisions

  • Allows individuals displaced from their homes due to a natural disaster to maintain their voter registration and residency status at their previous address for a period of up to 2 years.
  • Requires county elections officials to take proactive steps to contact and assist displaced voters, such as providing information on voting options and facilitating the voting process.
  • Authorizes the use of emergency voting procedures, such as expanded vote-by-mail and mobile polling stations, in areas affected by natural disasters to ensure displaced residents can still cast their ballots.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to develop and implement a statewide public awareness campaign to educate voters about their rights and options in the event of a natural disaster.

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily benefit individuals who are displaced from their homes due to natural disasters, such as wildfires, floods, or earthquakes. By maintaining their voter registration and residency status, these displaced voters would be able to continue participating in elections and have their voices heard, even if they are temporarily living outside of their home district.

The bill would also impact county elections officials, who would be responsible for implementing the new procedures and outreach efforts to assist displaced voters. Additionally, the Secretary of State's office would be tasked with developing and implementing the statewide public awareness campaign.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

AB 1040 has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Elections, where it will undergo further consideration and potential amendments before moving to a full floor vote. If passed by the Assembly, the bill would then proceed to the State Senate for additional review and approval.

Given the time-sensitive nature of the issue and the potential for natural disasters to occur at any time, the bill's proponents are likely pushing for expedited consideration and implementation to ensure that the new protections and procedures are in place before the next major disaster strikes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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