EFFECT:

Limits the circumstances for which the Attorney General issues a certification of no objection for a proposed covered practice to exclude when the proposed covered practice does not diminish the ability of the protected class or classes to participate in the political process or to elect their preferred candidate to office.

Removes the requirement that no covered practice is effective until the Attorney General has issued a certification of no objection.

Limits the circumstances for which a certification of no objection may be deemed to have been issued to exclude when the Attorney General affirmatively indicates that no objection will be made upon a showing of good cause to facilitate an expedited approval.

Removes the authority of the Attorney General to extend the period of time permitted to issue an objection.

Removes the authority of the Attorney General to reserve the right to reexamine a submission and extend the period of time to issue an objection if additional information is discovered during the 60 day period that would otherwise require an objection.