Government Operations

Expands public records law to allow agencies extra response time during cyberattacks affecting electronic records. Requires state emergencies to directly impact agency operations to justify extended response deadlines. Limits response extensions to 14 days and only while electronic systems remain inaccessible. Maintains agency obligations to provide non-electronic records even during cyberattacks.

Requires county election officials to provide free digital maps of precinct boundaries to any member of the public. Mandates state reimbursement to counties for costs associated with providing digital precinct maps. Enhances election transparency by making precinct boundary information more accessible to voters.

Modernizes election communications by replacing registered mail with certified mail and electronic delivery. Requires election officials to notify the Secretary of State electronically about election dates and deadlines. Mandates public access to randomized alphabet drawings that determine candidate ballot order. Establishes a 5-day window after statewide elections for voters to request vote recounts.

Allows California drivers to possess both a digital and physical driver's license until July 2026. Supports a pilot program testing digital driver's licenses as an alternative to physical cards. Automatically reinstates the ban on multiple licenses after the pilot program ends in July 2026.

Validates the legal status and actions of all California public agencies and local government bodies. Confirms the legitimacy of previously issued bonds and financial obligations by public entities. Establishes a six-month deadline to challenge the validity of any prior government actions. Takes effect immediately as an urgency measure to ensure governmental stability.

Validates the legal status and actions of all California public agencies and local government bodies. Confirms the legitimacy of bonds and financial obligations issued by public entities. Requires legal challenges to public agency actions to be filed within six months of September 1, 2025. Takes immediate effect to ensure continuous operation of public agencies and their financial instruments.

Validates the legal status and past actions of all California public agencies and local government bodies. Confirms the legitimacy of previously issued government bonds and financial obligations. Establishes a six-month deadline to challenge the validity of any validated government actions. Excludes validation of contracts between public bodies and the federal government.

Requires voters to present government-issued ID at polling places and for mail-in voting starting in 2025. Mandates documentation of U.S. citizenship for voter registration instead of self-certification. Requires election officials to count most ballots within 72 hours after election day. Establishes state audits of voter rolls and signature verification with penalties for non-compliance.

Requires public buildings used as polling places to provide internet access and adequate space for voting operations. Mandates accessible and curbside parking spaces for voters who need assistance at polling locations. Allows schools serving as polling places to remain open, close, or use the day for staff training.

Expands how storage facility owners can verify email delivery of lien notices to tenants. Requires storage facilities to send notices by mail if email delivery cannot be confirmed. Allows tenants to acknowledge lien notices through electronic signatures or email replies. Mandates rental agreements include space for an alternative contact person's information.

Prohibits recalled local government officials from being reappointed to fill the vacancy created by their own recall. Eliminates special elections for choosing successors in local recall elections, requiring vacancies to be filled according to existing appointment procedures. Clarifies that in statewide recall elections, the candidate receiving the most votes automatically assumes the remainder of the recalled officer's term.

Establishes a pilot program allowing San Mateo Transit District to use job order contracting for repairs and maintenance. Limits individual job orders to $1 million and total contract awards to $5 million initially. Requires competitive bidding and compliance with prevailing wage laws and labor agreements. Expires on January 1, 2032 after requiring a program evaluation report to the Legislature.

Repeals outdated voter registration rules for processing address changes and inactive voter status. Removes requirements for county election officials to update voter records based on address changes. Streamlines election code by eliminating redundant provisions for voter registration maintenance.

Extends the deadline for county treasurers to submit financial settlements to auditors from 10 to 12 business days. Requires county treasurers to continue settling accounts with auditors at least monthly. Maintains existing requirements for treasurers to safely manage and disburse all county funds.

Requires the Gambling Control Commission to post all vote records on its website within two business days. Enhances transparency by making gambling regulation votes publicly accessible online. Maintains existing requirements for physical vote records at the commission's main office.

Prohibits courts from charging videoconferencing fees that exceed their actual costs to provide the service. Requires electronic court records to be viewable at courthouses and available for public duplication. Allows the public to use their own equipment to copy court records without fees, unless it risks damaging records. Mandates annual reporting to the Legislature on all court fees not explicitly authorized by law.

Authorizes electronic signatures for county board chairpersons, eliminating the need for resolution approval. Extends the maximum maturity period for local agency commercial paper investments from 270 to 397 days. Allows Kern County to appoint a registrar of voters separate from the county clerk. Clarifies that appointed board members serve until their elected replacement is qualified and takes office.

Updates California recall election laws to specifically reference superior courts instead of trial courts. Classifies superior court judges as county officers for recall election purposes. Establishes specific signature requirements for recalling superior court judges based on voter registration.

Standardizes ballot formatting by requiring 'Yes' and 'No' options to be printed on separate lines with voting targets. Applies uniform ballot language requirements across all local government elections and ballot measures. Updates multiple state codes to ensure consistent presentation of voting options on ballots. Enhances ballot clarity without changing the substance of existing election procedures.

Updates election terminology to replace 'ballot pamphlet' with 'state voter information guide' for clarity and consistency. Modifies campaign finance rules to allow candidates not on primary ballots to transfer funds without refunding contributors. Requires voter guides to include clear summaries of ballot measures and top campaign donors for referendums. Mandates redaction of bank account numbers from committee organization statements to protect privacy.

Authorizes the sale, transfer, or exchange of seven specific California armories across the state. Requires approval from both the Director of General Services and Adjutant General for any property transactions. Directs all proceeds from armory transactions to be deposited into the state Armory Fund.

Extends the Governor's Military Council operations from 2026 to 2031. Maintains the council's role in advising on military installation retention for national defense. Preserves bipartisan representation from both Senate and Assembly on the council.

Streamlines the process for amending the Political Reform Act by eliminating FPPC distribution requirements. Requires proposed amendments to be printed, distributed to legislators, and published online. Maintains existing 8-day notice period before legislative votes on amendments.

Streamlines election consolidation by allowing political subdivisions to file directly with county election officials. Transfers authority to canvass consolidated election returns from county supervisors to county election officials. Removes the 12-card maximum limit on voter instruction materials at polling places. Requires a designated precinct board member to formally announce poll openings and closings.

Requires state agencies to collect expanded racial and ethnic demographic data using seven standardized categories by 2029. Creates a Chief Statistician position to oversee standardized data collection across all state agencies. Mandates agencies to provide write-in options for detailed self-identification within each racial category. Prohibits sharing personal identifying information with federal agencies unless required by federal law.