The California State Assembly's Assembly Elections Committee convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill aimed at reforming election certification processes. A key point of contention emerged from testimony provided by Tim Cromartie, deputy secretary of state for legislation, who expressed significant concerns regarding the bill's feasibility.

Cromartie highlighted that while the Secretary of State's office supports the bill's overarching goals, the current draft raises serious logistical challenges. Specifically, the bill proposes that the Secretary of State (SOS) take over the certification of votes in counties if local election officials fail to prepare certified results. This provision could potentially require the SOS to conduct a full canvas of votes, a task for which the office lacks the necessary systems, secure facilities, and trained staff.

Cromartie explained that the SOS is not equipped to handle the complexities of county election management, which includes ballot processing and signature verification for mail-in ballots. He noted that counties currently rely on one of three different election management system vendors, and the SOS's responsibilities do not include canvassing or tabulating ballots.

The committee acknowledged these concerns and indicated a willingness to engage with the author's office and the attorney general to address the issues raised. The discussions underscored the importance of ensuring that any changes to election processes are practical and sustainable, reflecting the committee's commitment to maintaining the integrity and efficiency of California's electoral system.

As the committee moves forward, the implications of this proposed legislation will be closely monitored, particularly regarding its potential impact on election administration across the state.