CA SB1096

Transfers support functions for the Citizens Redistricting Commission from the Secretary of State to the State Auditor until the commission's staff and office are fully functional.

Redefines "qualified independent auditor" to mean only auditors employed by the Bureau of State Audits with at least 10 years of independent auditing experience, limiting Applicant Review Panel membership to Bureau employees.

Adjusts vacancy-filling deadlines: requires 30-day filling if vacancy occurs before December 31 of years ending in 2, but extends to 90 days for vacancies on or after December 31 of years ending in 2.

Establishes specific timelines and restrictions for public comment on redistricting maps: first preliminary maps must be displayed by July 1 of years ending in 1 with 14 days of public comment and no competing maps; subsequent maps get 7 days of comment, final maps get 3 days.

Increases bill print-time requirement for amendments to the Voters FIRST Act from 10 days to 12 days and prohibits amendments in years ending in 9 (in addition to existing prohibitions for years ending in 0 or 1).