BILL ANALYSIS Ó SB 1275 Page 1 Date of Hearing: August 8, 2012 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair SB 1275 (Lieu) - As Amended: April 24, 2012 Policy Committee: ElectionsVote:7-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: Yes SUMMARY This bill modifies timelines associated with conducting special elections to fill vacancies in congressional or legislative offices in order to better facilitate compliance with federal election law regarding military and oversees voters. FISCAL EFFECT Minor savings to counties in the conduct of special elections. COMMENTS Background and Purpose . The Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act, signed by President Obama in 2009, requires that absentee ballots be sent at least 45 days before an election to any oversees voter who has submitted a request by that date. Under current California law, after the governor announces a special election to fill a vacancy in a legislative or congressional seat, a special general election must be held within 112 to 126 days. Meeting both of these requirements creates a time shortage that makes compliance difficult for elections officials. The bill, sponsored by the Secretary of State, attempts to ease this burden by changing the window when a special general election can be held to between 126 to 140 days after the governor's announcement. Analysis Prepared by : Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081