CA AB1276

Extends redistricting deadlines from 151 days to 205 days before elections occurring after January 1 in years ending in 2, effective 2031 and thereafter; uses 174-day deadline for 2022 elections and 205-day deadline for 2022-2031 elections occurring on or after July 1, 2022.

Prohibits release of draft redistricting maps until 3 weeks after the federal redistricting database becomes publicly available, with reduced or waived waiting periods if fewer than 90 days remain until the adoption deadline.

Excludes incarcerated persons from population counts for redistricting purposes unless their last known place of residence information is included in the redistricting database and available to the public.

Allows Los Angeles and San Diego County redistricting commissions to modify hearing locations and use virtual hearings during public health emergencies that prohibit large gatherings.

Clarifies that charter cities with comprehensive or exclusive redistricting criteria in their charters are not subject to the bill's standard redistricting criteria, and allows charter cities to delegate redistricting responsibilities to independent or hybrid commissions while remaining subject to all applicable deadlines and requirements.