BILL NUMBER: AB 719	CHAPTERED  10/14/01

	CHAPTER  918
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  OCTOBER 14, 2001
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  OCTOBER 14, 2001
	PASSED THE SENATE  SEPTEMBER 12, 2001
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  SEPTEMBER 12, 2001
	AMENDED IN SENATE  JUNE 13, 2001
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MAY 1, 2001

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Wiggins

                        FEBRUARY 22, 2001

   An act to amend Section 3201 of the Elections Code, relating to
elections.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 719, Wiggins.  Absentee voters.
   Existing law authorizes a voter who has specified physical
impairments or conditions to apply for permanent absent voter status.

   This bill would additionally authorize a voter who is employed in
a position that requires the voter to work shifts of 24 consecutive
hours or more to apply for permanent absent voter status.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Section 3201 of the Elections Code is amended to read:

   3201.  (a) A voter who has any of the following impairments or
conditions, or who meets any of the following criteria may apply for
permanent absent voter status:
   (1) Has lost one or more limbs or the use of one or more limbs.
   (2) Has lost both hands or the use of both hands.
   (3) Is unable to move about without the aid of an assistant device
(e.g., canes, crutches, walker, wheelchair).
   (4) Is suffering from lung disease, blindness, or cardiovascular
disease.
   (5) Has a significant limitation in the use of the lower
extremities.
   (6) Is suffering from a diagnosed disease or disorder that
substantially impairs or interferes with his or her mobility.
   (7) Is employed in a position that requires the voter to work
shifts of 24 consecutive hours or more.
   (b) The following voters may also apply for permanent absent voter
status:
   (1) A spouse who resides with, and is the primary caregiver to, a
voter described in subdivision (a).
   (2) A nonspousal primary caregiver to a voter described in
subdivision (a) who resides with the voter.   As used in this
subdivision, "nonspousal primary caregiver" means a blood relative or
family member related by marriage who has primary responsibility for
the care of the voter.
   (c) Application for permanent absent voter status shall be made in
accordance with Section 3001.  The voter or other person described
in subdivision (b) shall complete an application, which shall be
available from the county elections official, and shall contain all
of the following:
   (1) Applicant's name at length.
   (2) Applicant's residence address.
   (3) Address where ballot is to be mailed, if different from the
place of residence.
   (4) Information that establishes the applicant's right to
permanent absent voter status.
   (5) The signature of the applicant.