SB-1080 • 2026

County clerks: certification of records: signature.

Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor: Valladares
Last action: 2026-03-26
Official status: In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify how digital signatures will be verified.

County Clerks Can Use Digital Signatures

This law allows county clerks to use digital signatures when certifying records, provided the official seal is included.

What This Bill Does

Allows county clerks to use printed, stamped, photographically reproduced facsimile, electronic, or digitally created signatures for record certification.
Requires that any signature used must include the official seal of the clerk’s office.

Who It Names or Affects

County clerks who certify records
People and organizations using certified records

Terms To Know

Certification of Records: The process where a county clerk officially confirms the accuracy or validity of documents.
Facsimile Signature: A copy or reproduction of an original signature, often used in place of the handwritten version.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify how digital signatures will be verified.
The bill has passed both chambers but its final status is unclear as it was held at the desk in the Assembly.

Bill History

2026-03-26 California Legislative Information
In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
2026-03-26 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 37. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly.
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
2026-03-18 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 3601.) (March 18).
2026-03-05 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing March 18.
2026-02-26 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on L. GOV.
2026-02-17 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 16.
2026-02-13 California Legislative Information
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 1080, as introduced, Valladares.
County clerks: certification of records: signature.
Existing law requires the county clerk to act as the clerk of the board of supervisors in the county and to perform specified duties, including, among other things, to take charge of, safely keep, or dispose of pursuant to law all books, papers, and records that are filed or deposited in their office pursuant to law. Existing law requires the county clerk to keep an official seal of their office for use when performing official duties.
This bill would authorize the county clerk to use a printed, stamped, photographically reproduced facsimile, electronic, or otherwise digitally created signature in certifying to a record in the county clerk’s office, provided that the certification includes the official seal of the county clerk’s office affixed thereto. The bill would make nonsubstantive changes, including eliminating gendered pronouns.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF