The 2021–2022 legislative session has ended. The League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) advocated for 113 pieces of legislation in the past two-year session, and more than 60 bills supported by the LWVC became law. Three bills cosponsored by LWVC were passed in this last session and signed by Governor Newsom.

AB 2841, which addresses disqualification from voting, is designed to prevent mistaken voter registration cancellations by ensuring that individuals are notified prior to being dropped from the voter rolls. It will also safeguard the voting rights of individuals with disabilities who are under conservatorship.

AB 256, the Racial Justice Act for All, builds on the gains made in 2020 with the passage of California Racial Justice Act, AB 2542. The earlier bill allows individuals to challenge racial bias in criminal charges, convictions, and sentences; it has been limited, however, to what occurred after January 1, 2021. AB 256 allows individuals with convictions or judgments prior to 2021 to petition the courts and seek relief if racial bias is proven to be present in their cases.

AB 796 will refine the California New Motor Voter Program (NMV), improve upon its initial success, and increase its efficacy. This law builds on improvements to DMV voter registration implemented as a part of the settlement of a lawsuit by the League of Women Voters. It codifies the time line to process voter registration transactions into state statute, codifies best practices by the DMV and California secretary of state, and improves transparency and oversight for the NMV. The goal is to assist 3 million eligible but unregistered Californians to register to vote.

—JoAnne Als, Chair, Advocacy Committee