Assembly bill would make pre‑certification seizure of ballots a felony, author says

Assemblymember Pellerin told the committee AB 282 "seeks to prevent the gravest threat to our elections by preventing any attempts to seize ballots, election records, and certified voting technology before our election results are certified." He said the measure would make seizure of ballots or certified voting equipment before certification a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison for those who seize records and longer terms for supervisory directions.

Beth Monowski of SEIU California testified in support, saying the bill builds on earlier election‑safeguarding legislation and is intended to strengthen confidence in the state’s election systems. Aubrey Rodriguez of ACLU California Action registered concerns and said the organization would submit a letter citing worries about creating a new crime.

Senators questioned whether California has seen incidents of pre‑certification seizures; the author and witnesses said there have been threats and attempts and argued the state should act proactively. Senator Caballero moved to refer AB 282 to the Committee on Elections; the committee recorded a roll‑call vote and the measure was referred (the transcript records a committee vote with one 'no').