CA SB162

Prohibits county elections officials from certifying results of local elections (called by districts, cities, or other political subdivisions on or before August 8, 2025, and scheduled for November 4, 2025) until the 28th calendar day following the election

Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the Secretary of State for fiscal year 2025-26 to develop a report on the final costs of the November 4, 2025 statewide special election

Requires the Secretary of State to submit the election cost report to the Director of Finance and Joint Legislative Budget Committee by April 1, 2026, including total costs by county, costs broken out by category, and remaining funds available to offset future election costs

Allows Santa Clara County to adopt alternative reasonable timeframes by resolution for certain elections official duties for elections scheduled between November 4, 2025, and December 31, 2025

Takes effect immediately as a budget-related appropriations bill