BILL NUMBER: AB 1026INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia FEBRUARY 26, 2015 An act to add and repeal Section 12173.5 of the Government Code, relating to elections. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1026, as introduced, Eduardo Garcia. Secretary of State: elections: voter turnout. Existing law provides that the Secretary of State is the chief elections officer of the state and requires him or her to administer the state's elections laws. Existing law requires the Secretary of State to develop a program to utilize modern communications and information processing technology, including making information available online, to enhance the availability and accessibility of information on statewide candidates and ballot initiatives. This bill would require the Secretary of State to meet with local registrars of voters, community groups, and other persons as determined by the Secretary of State to develop strategies for improving California's voter turnout. The bill would require the Secretary of State to present findings to specified committees of the Legislature no later than July 1, 2016. The bill would also make findings in this regard. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2017. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 12173.5 is added to the Government Code, to read: 12173.5. (a) The Legislature finds and declares the following: (1) Nationally, the general election held on November 4, 2014, had the lowest turnout in 70 years. (2) The number of votes cast by eligible voters in the statewide general election held on November 4, 2014, was among the lowest in California's history. (b) (1) The Secretary of State shall, as he or she deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, meet with local registrars of voters, community groups, and other persons as determined by the Secretary of State to develop strategies for improving California's voter turnout. (2) After meeting to develop strategies for improving voter turnout as specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall report to the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments and the Assembly Committee on Elections and Redistricting on the strategies developed no later than July 1, 2016. The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. (c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2017, and as of that date is repealed.