CA SB1163

Restricts vote by mail ballot return designees to spouses, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, or same-household residents during or within 6 months of a proclaimed state of emergency due to epidemic or contagious disease, including COVID-19.

Prohibits paid or volunteer workers of political parties, campaigns, committees, or other organizations from returning designated voters' ballots during the emergency period, with an exception for candidates and candidates' spouses.

Declares the act an urgency statute to take effect immediately to address public health concerns related to COVID-19 for the November 3, 2020 statewide general election.

Maintains existing requirements that designated persons return ballots within three days of receipt or before polls close on election day, whichever is shorter.

Preserves existing prohibitions against compensating individuals based on the number of ballots returned and maintains criminal penalties for ballot tampering and fraud.