BILL NUMBER: AB 2154INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Solorio FEBRUARY 18, 2010 An act to amend Section 3001 of the Elections Code, relating to vote by mail ballots. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 2154, as introduced, Solorio. Vote by mail ballots: telephone applications. Existing law requires that application for a vote by mail voter's ballot be made in writing to the elections official having jurisdiction over the election during a specified period prior to the election, except as specified. This bill would also allow an application for a vote by mail ballot to be made by telephone if specified information is provided to the elections official. By increasing the duties of local elections officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 3001 of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3001. (a) Except as provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 3200) and Sections 3007.5 and 3007.7, application for a vote by mail voter's ballot shall be made in writing or by telephone to the elections official having jurisdiction over the election between the 29th and the 7th day prior to the election.The application shall be signed by the applicant and shall show(b) To apply in writing, the applicant shall complete a written application containing his or her place of residence and signature .Any applications(c) To apply by telephone, the applicant shall provide to the elections official personal identifying information that matches the information contained on the applicant's affidavit of registration, including first and last name, home address, and date of birth. The applicant's signature shall not be required. (d) Any application received by the elections official prior to the 29th day shall be kept and processed during the application period. SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.