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AB-1513 • 2026

Election procedures: certified mail and superior courts.

Election procedures: certified mail and superior courts.

Elections
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Committee on Elections
Last action
Official status
Chaptered
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text does not specify an effective date, though metadata indicates enactment in October 2025.

Changes to Election Mail and Court Names

This law changes how some election documents are sent by mail, updates court names in recall rules for judges, and sets up a process for state reimbursement of local costs.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires specified election notices, affidavits, and communications to be delivered by certified mail instead of registered mail.
  • Allows certain communications between local officials and the Secretary of State to be sent electronically.
  • Updates recall procedures for elected officers to use 'superior courts' instead of 'trial courts'.
  • Includes changes from Assembly Bill 930 only if both bills are enacted and this bill is enacted last.
  • Provides that reimbursement will be made if the Commission on State Mandates determines the law creates state-mandated costs.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Local election officials who send notices or forms
  • The Secretary of State's office
  • Superior courts and judges subject to recall procedures
  • County governments that may receive state reimbursement

Terms To Know

Certified mail
A postal service option used for sending election documents instead of registered mail.
Recall
The process to remove an elected official from office before their term ends.
State-mandated local program
A new duty required by the state that may cost money for a city or county to do.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The exact date this law takes effect is not listed in the provided text.
  • Changes from Assembly Bill 930 only happen if both bills pass and AB-1513 finishes last.
  • Reimbursement for local costs depends on a decision by the Commission on State Mandates.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Chaptered

Official Summary Text

Election procedures: certified mail and superior courts.