Assemblymember Pellerin seeks felony penalty for seizure of ballots and voting equipment

Assemblymember Pellerin urged the Public Safety Committee to pass AB 282, saying the measure responds to recent attempts in other states to seize ballots and records. "Specifically, it will make it a felony to seize, cause or assist in the seizure of ballots, election records or certified voting technology before election results are certified by the elections official," Pellerin said, adding the penalty would be punishable by up to three years in prison and up to four years for someone who directs another to do so.

Pellerin framed the bill as a safeguard for the integrity of certified election results and said it would help ensure every lawfully cast vote is counted. The chair invited witnesses; none testified in opposition. After brief discussion, a motion to concur in Senate amendments and refer AB 282 to the Appropriations Committee carried in committee.

The clerk recorded the roll call as follows (as read in committee): Schultz — aye; Gonzales — aye; Haney — aye; Lackey — no; Wen — aye; Ramos — aye. The chair announced the bill was out of committee and would go to Appropriations. The chair later kept the roll open for members to 'add on' votes; the clerk recorded additional entries that did not change the committee referral.

Next steps: AB 282 was referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.