California Voting Rights Act of 2001.

Senator Becker's amendments to the California Voting Rights Act create new electoral flexibility for cities with populations under 50,000 while modifying enforcement procedures for all political subdivisions. The legislation permits smaller cities to elect up to 20% of their governing body members through at-large voting, with the remainder elected by district, while still qualifying as a district-based election system under state law.

The bill extends the timeline for addressing potential voting rights violations, doubling the waiting period to 90 days between when a political subdivision receives written notice of alleged violations and when legal action may commence. For cities under 50,000 residents, these notices must now include signatures from at least 100 local voters. Political subdivisions maintain their ability to pass resolutions declaring intent to transition to district-based elections during this period.

The amendments preserve existing requirements for public engagement during electoral system changes, including multiple hearings before and after draft district maps are created. Political subdivisions must continue publishing draft maps at least seven days before consideration and maintain specific timing requirements for related public hearings. The legislation retains the current cap of $30,000, adjusted annually for inflation, on reimbursements to prospective plaintiffs for costs associated with documenting violations.