AB-1652 • 2026

State agencies: regulations and legislation: nondisclosure agreements.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Patterson
Last action: 2026-06-03
Official status: Referred to Coms. on JUD. and G.O.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide details on enforcement mechanisms for violations.

State Agencies: Rules on Nondisclosure Agreements

This law stops state agency officers from making nondisclosure agreements about proposed rules and laws unless they protect trade secrets, private financial information, or proprietary information.

What This Bill Does

Prohibits state agency officers from creating nondisclosure agreements related to the drafting, negotiation, or discussion of new regulations or legislation.
Makes any existing nondisclosure agreements that cover discussions about new rules or laws invalid after this law takes effect if they do not protect trade secrets, private financial information, or proprietary information.

Who It Names or Affects

State agency officers who make decisions about regulations and legislation.
People or organizations that might enter into nondisclosure agreements with state agencies.

Terms To Know

nondisclosure agreement: A contract where people agree not to share certain information.
trade secrets: Special business information that companies keep secret to stay competitive.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if someone breaks the rules about nondisclosure agreements.
It is unclear when this law will officially start affecting state agencies.

Bill History

2026-06-03 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on JUD. and G.O.
2026-04-16 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-04-16 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 68. Noes 0. Page 4682.)
2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (April 8).
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
Coauthors revised.
2026-03-10 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 10). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-02-17 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-01-29 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee February 28.
2026-01-28 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1652, as introduced, Patterson.
State agencies: regulations and legislation: nondisclosure agreements.
Existing law prohibits Members of the Legislature from entering into, or requesting that another party enter into, a nondisclosure agreement relating to the drafting, negotiation, or discussion of proposed legislation, and makes any nondisclosure agreement relating to the drafting, negotiation, or discussion of proposed legislation void and unenforceable. Existing law provides an exception for nondisclosure agreements, or portions thereof, that prevent only the disclosure of trade secrets, financial information, or proprietary information, as specified.
This bill would prohibit an elective or appointive officer of a state agency acting in their official capacity from entering into, or requesting that another party enter into, a nondisclosure agreement relating to the drafting, negotiation, or discussion of a proposed regulation or legislation. The
bill would also make any nondisclosure agreement relating to the drafting, negotiation, or discussion of a proposed regulation or legislation entered into by an elective or appointive officer of a state agency acting in their official capacity after the effective date of this bill void and unenforceable. The bill would provide an exception for nondisclosure agreements, or portions thereof, that prevent only the disclosure of trade secrets, private financial information, or proprietary information, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF