(a) The Department of Finance, in collaboration with the Secretary of State and the Legislative Analyst’s Office, shall convene a working group to evaluate alternatives for funding election-related state mandates. The working group shall commence no later than September 1, 2015. By September 1, 2016, the Department of Finance shall submit to the Legislature a report that summarizes the findings of the working group, including recommendations to the Legislature.

(b) (1) The Department of Finance shall conduct a survey of county election officials during years in which a statewide general election is held pursuant to § 1200 of the Elections Code to determine whether or not counties are carrying out the requirements set forth in the following state mandates:

(A) Absentee ballots.

(B) Absentee ballots tabulation by precinct.

(C) Modified primary election.

(D) Permanent absentee voters II.

(E) Voter identification procedures.

(F) Voter registration procedures.

(2) The Department of Finance shall report the results of the survey to the Legislature by each April 1 following a statewide general election.

(c) A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) shall be submitted in compliance with § 9795 of the Government Code.

(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 25, Sec. 31. (SB 84) Effective June 24, 2015.)