Gov. Newsom Signed These Black Caucus Members’ Bills Focused on Ballot Counting, Drones and Public Health

September 30, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved three bills authored by members of the California Legislative Black Caucus addressing election procedures, healthcare coverage, and firearm restrictions. The primary legislation establishes statewide standards for processing mail-in ballots submitted in person without identification envelopes, a measure introduced after Senator Laura Richardson's election took three weeks to certify. Additional bills protect Medi-Cal coverage for recipients facing new federal work requirements and improve reporting accuracy for mental health-related firearm prohibitions.

Who is affected

Senator Laura Richardson and future candidates in closely contested elections
Voters who cast vote-by-mail ballots in person without identification envelopes
County election officials and registrars across California
Medi-Cal beneficiaries ages 19 to 64 subject to federal work requirements (beginning no sooner than January 1, 2027)
Individuals prohibited from possessing firearms due to involuntary mental health treatment
California Department of Justice (receives approximately 219,000 firearm-prohibiting mental health hold reports annually)
Mental health facilities responsible for reporting to the state

What action is being taken

The Secretary of State is establishing uniform procedures for handling vote-by-mail ballots cast in person without identification envelopes
The Secretary of State is consulting with county registrars and election stakeholders while developing regulations
Election officials are implementing the requirements before the November 3 general election
Counties are being required to verify Medi-Cal eligibility information through available data and maintain coverage during verification periods

Why it matters

This legislation matters because it addresses critical gaps in California's election administration that can delay election results for weeks, as demonstrated by Richardson's three-week certification period. The voting bill ensures faster, more consistent election outcomes while maintaining accuracy across all counties. The Medi-Cal protections prevent eligible recipients from losing healthcare coverage due to administrative issues when new federal work requirements take effect. The mental health reporting improvements enhance public safety by ensuring accurate records of individuals prohibited from firearm possession while protecting confidential information.

What's next

The Secretary of State must post the new uniform voting procedures on their website
State voter information guides and election outreach materials will explain vote-by-mail and early-voting procedures
Beginning no sooner than January 1, 2027, certain Medi-Cal beneficiaries will be required to document at least 80 hours per month of work, community service, or program participation, or enroll at least half-time in educational programs to maintain coverage

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint