Bill
AB 72
AB 72 would require local election officials to provide Bengali translations of voting notices, forms, ballots and related materials on request, boosting access for Bengali voters.
AB 72 (Jackson) — Elections: Bengali
Overview
AB 72 would require local election officials to provide Bengali-language versions of materials related to the electoral process—such as registrations, voting notices, forms, instructions, or ballots—upon a voter’s request. The bill would add Bengali to the list of languages for which translation or language-assistance materials must be made available when a voter requests them.
What the bill would do (provisions)
- Adds Section 2601 to the Elections Code: “An elections official shall provide a voter with registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance, or other materials or information relating to the electoral process, including ballots, in Bengali if the voter requests it.”
- Fiscal and mandates framework: If the Commission on State Mandates determines the act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts would be made under Government Code Part 7.
Relation to existing law
- Current law, including the federal Voting Rights Act, requires language assistance to voters to access voting information, register, and vote.
- Existing California practice allows the Secretary of State to authorize facsimsimile ballot translations in languages other than English when appropriate. AB 72 would create a more explicit, request-driven obligation for Bengali-language materials.
Who is affected
- Voters who prefer Bengali would have access to Bengali materials on request.
- County and local elections officials would be responsible for providing Bengali translations of registration and voting materials upon request, potentially increasing operational duties and translation needs.
- The state (through the Commission on State Mandates) would determine any state-mandated costs for reimbursement.
Procedural/timeline details
- Introduced: December 12, 2024.
- 2024-12-13: From printer; may be heard in committee January 12.
- 2025-01-06: Read first time.
- 2025-02-03: Referred to Committee on Elections.
- 2025-03-20: In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of the author.
Note: The bill’s status indicates it has not yet advanced beyond the first committee stage as of the latest action.
Potential impact and considerations
- Accessibility: Expands language access for Bengali-speaking voters, potentially improving participation and informed voting.
- Costs: Local jurisdictions could incur translation and distribution costs; reimbursement is contingent on mandate determinations.
- Implementation: Agencies would need processes to identify Bengali-speaking requests and supply accurate translations for forms, notices, and ballots.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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