The Assembly Elections Committee advanced SB 259 on Aug. 25, sending the measure to the Committee on Appropriations after a 6-2 vote.
According to the committee hearing summary and transcript materials, Sen. Wahab presented the bill as a response to threats to California’s vote-by-mail system. Wahab said SB 259 would create a new felony for willful interference with the delivery or submission of vote-by-mail ballots.
The record also shows support from SEIU California, which testified in favor through Beth Melanowski. She said the measure was part of a broader election-protection package and would not apply to accidental mistakes by voters, volunteers or local election officials.
No opposition witnesses came forward, and the committee then approved a motion to do pass the bill and refer it to Appropriations. The available record does not include a detailed floor debate or a complete final roll call beyond the reported 6-2 outcome.
