Following are summaries of the bills enacted into law that may affect filings made and business conducted with the Secretary of State's office. Unless otherwise indicated, these measures will take effect on January 1, 2020. To research any legislation or existing law, please refer to the California Legislative Information website.
- Domestic Partnership
- Registry of Public Agencies
- Nonprofits - Public Banks
- Public Records - Use of Copying Equipment
Domestic Partnerships
Chapter 135, Statutes of 2019 (SB 30 Wiener)
Removes the requirement that two people entering into a domestic partnership be either of the same sex or of the opposite sex and over 62 years of age. This opens the registration of a domestic partnership to all partners over the age of 18 years.
Registry of Public Agencies
Chapter 329, Statutes of 2019 (SB 780 Committee on Government and Finance)
Changes the name of the “Roster of Public Agencies” to “Registry of Public Agencies.”
Nonprofits - Public Banks
Chapter 442, Statutes of 2019 (AB 857 Chiu and Santiago)
Permits a public bank to form as a nonprofit public benefit corporation or a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation. Authorizes the lending of public credit to public banks and authorizes public ownership of stock in public banks.
Public Records - Use of Copying Equipment
Chapter 695, Statutes of 2019 (AB 1819 Governor Enrolled)
Authorizes a requester of public records to use their own copying equipment without being charged any fees or costs to photograph or copy the record. No damage can result to the record, the equipment cannot make physical contact with the record and the agency may impose reasonable limits on the use of the customer’s equipment to protect the record.
