All Roll Calls
Yes: 144 • No: 27
CaliforniaSB 8512025-2026 Regular SessionSenate
Elections.
Sponsored By: Sabrina Cervantes (Democratic), Gail Pellerin (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Fast notice of federal election lawsuits
State and local agencies must tell the Secretary of State and Attorney General in writing within three court days when they file or are served with a federal election case. At least 14 court days before any settlement or court‑approved deal, they must send a draft to both offices. Records shared under this process are not public under the Public Records Act.
On-time and transparent election results
Election officials must add certified write‑ins and certified paper ballots, declare the vote, and post the declared results at the count location right away. Officials must send a certified statement to the governing body within 30 days. Certain local November odd‑year elections have a deadline no later than the last Monday before the last Friday of that month. If the system can create a spreadsheet without changes, officials must post results online in a common spreadsheet format and keep them for at least 10 years. Officials must send one complete electronic copy of results to the Secretary of State within 31 days, and within 28 days for presidential primaries and presidential electors. Governing bodies must declare winners and measure results as a ministerial duty. If an official fails to prepare the certified statement, the Secretary of State alerts prosecutors and may assist the county to complete the work.
Prompt reporting of voting system defects
Vendors or public owners of certified voting systems must tell the Secretary of State and all local election officials who use the system in writing within 30 calendar days after learning of any defect, fault, or failure. Applicants for remote accessible vote‑by‑mail systems must disclose known defects in the version they submit. They must also report any new defects they learn about before the Secretary of State files its report. The Secretary of State completes examinations without undue delay.
Source code escrow and state access
Within 10 business days after certification or conditional approval, the vendor or county must place the exact approved source code into an approved escrow. The deposit must include full build and configuration instructions and related documents, and it must go from the testing agency to the approved escrow. The Secretary of State sets rules defining source code (including firmware and third‑party software), escrow site security, submission steps, and who may access the materials. The Secretary of State may access escrowed code to investigate, verify certification, or when an escrow fails, and may seek court orders to enforce these rules in Sacramento County.
Stronger protections at polling places
It is a crime to hire or arrange armed or uniformed officers, guards, or security to be posted at a polling place or county elections office without written approval from the elections official or a federal court order. Penalties can include up to one year in county jail, a fine up to $10,000, or both. It is also a crime to tamper with ballots or poll lists, stuff or remove ballots, or use fake containers or envelopes to trick voters. Penalties can include up to a $1,000 fine, jail time under Penal Code terms, or both.
Stronger standards for voting machines
The Secretary of State sets statewide standards that meet Help America Vote Act minimums and follow best practices. Systems must keep ballot secrecy, be secure from fraud or manipulation, and be suitable for their purpose. Systems must be accessible for voters with disabilities and support required languages. Vendors and local officials must follow these rules.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Sabrina Cervantes
Democratic • Senate
Gail Pellerin
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 9/13/2025
Item 205 — Assembly AFLOOR
Yes: 60 • No: 19
Senate vote • 9/13/2025
Item 174 — Senate SFLOOR
Yes: 29 • No: 6
legislature vote • 9/12/2025
Vote in CX04
Yes: 5 • No: 2
legislature vote • 7/2/2025
Vote in CX04
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/5/2025
Item 110 — Senate SFLOOR
Yes: 38 • No: 0
legislature vote • 4/29/2025
Vote in CS45
Yes: 5 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 238, Statutes of 2025.
10/1/2025SenateApproved by the Governor.
10/1/2025legislatureEnrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.
9/23/2025legislatureAssembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 29. Noes 6. Page 3059.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
9/13/2025SenateUrgency clause adopted.
9/13/2025SenateIn Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
9/13/2025SenateRead third time. Urgency clause adopted. Passed. (Ayes 60. Noes 19. Page 3447.) Ordered to the Senate.
9/13/2025HouseAssembly Rule 63 suspended. (Ayes 57. Noes 20. Page 3441.)
9/12/2025HouseFrom committee: Do pass. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (September 12).
9/12/2025HouseJoint Rule 62(a) suspended.
9/10/2025HouseRe-referred to Com. on ELECTIONS pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2.
9/9/2025HouseOrdered to third reading.
9/9/2025HouseRead third time and amended. (Page 3132.)
9/9/2025HouseJoint Rule 61(a)(13) suspended. (Ayes 57. Noes 20. Page 3132.)
9/9/2025HouseOrdered to third reading.
9/3/2025HouseRead third time and amended.
9/3/2025HouseOrdered to third reading.
7/7/2025HouseFrom consent calendar on motion of Assembly Member Garcia.
7/7/2025HouseRead second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
7/3/2025HouseFrom committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July 2).
7/2/2025HouseReferred to Com. on ELECTIONS.
5/19/2025HouseIn Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
5/5/2025HouseRead third time. Passed. (Ayes 38. Noes 0. Page 1011.) Ordered to the Assembly.
5/5/2025SenateRead second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
4/30/2025SenateFrom committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 5. Noes 0. Page 934.) (April 29).
4/29/2025Senate
Bill Text
Chaptered
10/1/2025
Enrolled
9/18/2025
Amended Assembly
9/9/2025
Amended Assembly
9/3/2025
Introduced
2/27/2025