text:
(a) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) “Address” means a residential street address, school address, or work address of an individual, as specified on the individual’s application to be a program participant under this chapter.

(2) “Child abduction” means an act or attempted act made punishable pursuant to Section 278 or 278.5 of the Penal Code.

(3) “Cohabitant” has the same meaning as in subdivision (b) of Section 18291 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(4) “Domestic violence” means an act as defined in Section 6211 of the Family Code.

(5) “Domicile” means a place of habitation as defined in Section 349 of the Elections Code.

(6) “Elder or dependent adult abuse” means an act described in Section 15610.07 of the Welfare and Institutions Code or an offense described in Section 368 of the Penal Code.

(7) “Household member” means an adult person who resides at the same residential address as the applicant or participant and is related to the applicant or participant by blood, marriage, registered domestic partnership, adoption, or is a cohabitant of an applicant or participant.

(8) “Human trafficking” means any act punishable pursuant to Section 236.1 of the Penal Code.

(9) “Program participant” means a person certified as a program participant under Section 6206.

(10) “Sexual assault” means an act or attempted act made punishable by Section 220, 261, 261.5, 264.1, 266c, 269, 285, 286, 287, 288, 288.5, 289, or 647.6 of, or former Section 262 or 288a of, the Penal Code.

(11) “Stalking” means an act as defined in Section 646.9 of the Penal Code.

(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 4) and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 642, Sec. 5. (AB 243) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative July 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

title: 1. GENERAL

chapter: 3.1. Address Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Human Trafficking, Child Abduction, and Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse


kind: section

code: GOV

citation: GOV § 6206

text:
(a) An adult person, a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor, or a guardian acting on behalf of an incapacitated person, who is domiciled in California, may apply to the Secretary of State to have an address designated by the Secretary of State serve as the person’s address or the address of the minor or incapacitated person. An application shall be completed in person at a community-based victims’ assistance program or a community-based assistance program that serves victims of elder or dependent adult abuse pursuant to the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 15600) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code). The application process shall include a requirement that the applicant meet with a victims’ assistance counselor and receive orientation information about the program. The Secretary of State shall approve an application if it is filed in the manner and on the form prescribed by the Secretary of State and if it contains all of the following:

(1) A sworn statement by the applicant that the applicant has good reason to believe both of the following:

(A) That the applicant, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, or elder or dependent adult abuse, or is a household member of a victim who is making or has made an application pursuant to this section, unless the applicant is the perpetrator of the crime that provided the basis for that victim’s application.

(B) That the applicant fears for their safety, the safety of their children or household members, or the safety of the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made.

(2) If the applicant alleges that the basis for the application is that the applicant, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, or elder or dependent adult abuse, the application may be accompanied by evidence, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

(A) Police, court, or other government agency records or files.

(B) Documentation from a domestic violence or sexual assault program, if the person is alleged to be a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.

(C) Documentation from a legal, clerical, medical, or other professional from whom the applicant or person on whose behalf the application is made has sought assistance in dealing with the alleged domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, or elder or dependent adult abuse.

(D) Any other evidence that supports the sworn statement, such as a statement from any other individual with knowledge of the circumstances that provides the basis for the claim, or physical evidence of the act or acts of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, or elder or dependent adult abuse.

(3) If the basis for the application is that the applicant, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, is a household member of a person described in paragraph (2), the application shall include the name of that person and evidence that the applicant is a household member.

(4) The name and last known address of the applicant’s minor child or children, and the name and last known address of all other parents or guardians of the minor child or children of the applicant, as legally established by voluntary declaration of paternity, court order, placement on the child’s birth certificate, or other legal method pursuant to the Uniform Parentage Act (Part 3 (commencing with Section 7600) of Division 12 of the Family Code). If no other parent or guardian has been established for the applicant’s minor child or children, this section may be left blank.

(5) A designation of the Secretary of State as agent for purposes of service of process and for the purpose of receipt of mail.

(A) Service on the Secretary of State of any summons, writ, notice, demand, or process shall be made by delivering to the address confidentiality program personnel of the office of the Secretary of State a copy of the summons, writ, notice, demand, or process.

(B) If a summons, writ, notice, demand, or process is served on the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall immediately cause a copy to be forwarded to the program participant at the address shown on the records of the address confidentiality program so that the summons, writ, notice, demand, or process is received by the program participant within three days of the Secretary of State’s having received it.

(C) The Secretary of State shall keep a record of all summonses, writs, notices, demands, and processes served upon the Secretary of State under this section and shall record the time of that service and the Secretary of State’s action.

(D) The office of the Secretary of State and any agent or person employed by the Secretary of State shall be held harmless from liability in any action brought by a person injured or harmed as a result of the handling of first-class mail on behalf of program participants.

(6) The mailing address and the telephone number or numbers where the applicant can be called by the Secretary of State, and if available, the email address where the applicant can be contacted by the Secretary of State.

(7) The address or addresses that the applicant requests not be disclosed for the reason that disclosure will increase the risk of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, or elder or dependent adult abuse.

(8) The signature of the applicant and of any individual or representative of any office designated in writing under Section 6208.5 who assisted in the preparation of the application, and the date on which the applicant signed the application.

(b) Commencing January 1, 2023, the Secretary of State shall make the application form for participation in the program and any explanatory materials available in English and in at least the other languages described in Section 1632 of the Civil Code. The Secretary of State may make the application available in additional languages.

(c) Applications shall be filed with the office of the Secretary of State.

(d) Upon filing a properly completed application, the Secretary of State shall certify the applicant as a program participant. Applicants shall be certified for four years following the date of filing, unless the certification is withdrawn or invalidated before that date. The Secretary of State shall, by rule, establish a renewal procedure. A minor program participant who reaches 18 years of age during their enrollment may renew as an adult following the renewal procedures established by the Secretary of State.

(e) If a minor child has any other legally established parent or parents, upon certification, the Secretary of State shall, within 10 days, notify all other parents or guardians identified pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of the designation of the Secretary of State as agent for purposes of service of process and, unless there is a court order prohibiting contact between the other parent or parents or guardian and the minor child or children of the participant, the address designated by the Secretary of State for the program participant. The notice shall be given by mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the last known address of the other parent or parents or guardian to be notified. A copy shall also be sent to that parent’s or guardian’s counsel of record, if provided to the Secretary of State by the applicant.

(f) A person who falsely attests in an application that disclosure of the applicant’s address would endanger the applicant’s safety or the safety of the applicant’s children or household members, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, or who knowingly provides false or incorrect information upon making an application, is guilty of a misdemeanor. A notice shall be printed in bold type and in a conspicuous location on the face of the application informing the applicant of the penalties under this subdivision. Commencing January 1, 2023, the Secretary of State shall make the notice required by this subdivision available in English and in at least the other languages described in Section 1632 of the Civil Code. The Secretary of State may make the notice available in additional languages.

(g) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 6) and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 642, Sec. 7. (AB 243) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative July 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

division: 7. MISCELLANEOUS

title: 1. GENERAL

path: 1. GENERAL > 7. MISCELLANEOUS > 3.1. Address Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Human Trafficking, Child Abduction, and Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse


text: Certification as a program participant shall not be evidence that minor children in the participant’s custody are at risk in the participant’s care.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 686, Sec. 5. (AB 1726) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text: The Secretary of State shall keep confidential name changes of program participants obtained pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1277 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The Secretary of State shall have the same responsibilities and obligations to program participants who have obtained a name change as to any other program participant under this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 33, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2001.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
Upon termination of a program participant’s certification, the Secretary of State shall retain records as follows:

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (g) of Section 6206.7 or Section 6208, any records or documents pertaining to a program participant shall be held confidential for a period of three years after withdrawal or termination of certification.

(b) All records or documents pertaining to a program participant shall be retained for a period of three years after termination of certification and then destroyed, except for change of name records, which shall be retained permanently and only be accessible pursuant to Section 6208 and Section 1798.34 of the Civil Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 270, Sec. 3. (SB 1082) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) A program participant may withdraw from program participation by submitting to the Secretary of State written notification of withdrawal and the program participant’s current identification card. Certification shall be terminated on the date of receipt of this notification.

(b) The Secretary of State may terminate a program participant’s certification and invalidate the program participant’s authorization card for any of the following reasons:

(1) The program participant’s certification term has expired and certification renewal has not been completed.

(2) The Secretary of State has been informed that another state agency determined that false information was used in the application process to qualify as a program participant or that participation in the program is being used as a subterfuge to avoid detection of illegal or criminal activity or apprehension by law enforcement.

(3) The program participant no longer resides at the most recent residential address provided to the Secretary of State and has not provided notice in writing of a change in address within 30 days.

(4) A service of process document or mail forwarded to the program participant by the Secretary of State is returned as nondeliverable. Before terminating a program participant’s certification due to nondeliverable mail, the program shall attempt to contact the participant by telephone and email, if available, to resolve the mail delivery issue.

(5) The program participant obtains a legal name change and fails to notify the Secretary of State within 30 days.

(6) The program participant, who reaches 18 years of age during the program participant’s certification term, has not renewed the program participant’s certification within 60 days of reaching 18 years of age.

(7) The program participant moves from their California place of residence to relocate out of state.

(c) The Secretary of State may refuse to renew a program participant’s certification if the adult program participant or the parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person moves from their California place of residence to another residence in this state. If, however, the program participant or parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person leaves the state during their valid participation term, they shall not be terminated on the grounds of having abandoned their domicile in this state until they have resided outside of this state for a period of more than 60 consecutive days if relocating to a state with an address confidentiality program. If the program participant or parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person has relocated to a state without an address confidentiality program, they shall remain enrolled and mail shall be forwarded for the remainder of their certification term.

(d) If intended termination is based on any of the reasons under subdivision (b) or (c), the Secretary of State shall send written notification of the intended termination to the program participant. The program participant shall have 30 days in which to appeal the intended termination under procedures developed by the Secretary of State.

(e) The Secretary of State shall notify in writing the county elections official of the program participant’s certification withdrawal, invalidation, expiration, or termination. The Secretary of State shall cooperate with authorized personnel of the appropriate county clerk’s office, county recording office, and state and local agencies to verify, upon request of any such entity, the program participant’s certification withdrawal, invalidation, expiration, or termination.

(f) Upon receipt of this termination notification, authorized personnel shall transmit to the Secretary of State all appropriate administrative records pertaining to the program participant and the record transmitting agency is no longer responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of a terminated program participant’s record.

(g) Following termination of program participant certification as a result of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), the Secretary of State may disclose information contained in the participant’s application.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 975, Sec. 2.5. (AB 2872) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6207

text:
(a) A program participant may request that state and local agencies use the address designated by the Secretary of State as his or her address. When creating a public record, state and local agencies shall accept the address designated by the Secretary of State as a program participant’s substitute address, unless the Secretary of State has determined both of the following:

(1) The agency has a bona fide statutory or administrative requirement for the use of the address which would otherwise be confidential under this chapter.

(2) This address will be used only for those statutory and administrative purposes and shall not be publicly disseminated.

(b) A program participant may request that state and local agencies use the address designated by the Secretary of State as his or her address. When modifying or maintaining a public record, excluding the record of any birth, fetal death, death, or marriage registered under Division 102 (commencing with Section 102100) of the Health and Safety Code, state and local agencies shall accept the address designated by the Secretary of State as a program participant’s substitute address, unless the Secretary of State has determined both of the following:

(1) The agency has a bona fide statutory or administrative requirement for the use of the address which would otherwise be confidential under this chapter.

(2) This address will be used only for those statutory and administrative purposes and shall not be publicly disseminated.

(c) A program participant may use the address designated by the Secretary of State as his or her work address.

(d) The office of the Secretary of State shall forward all first-class mail and all mail sent by a governmental agency to the appropriate program participants. The office of the Secretary of State may, in its discretion, refuse to handle or forward packages regardless of size or type of mailing.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), program participants shall comply with the provisions specified in subdivision (d) of Section 1808.21 of the Vehicle Code if requesting suppression of the records maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Program participants shall also comply with all other provisions of the Vehicle Code relating to providing current address information to the department.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 270, Sec. 5. (SB 1082) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text: A program participant who is otherwise qualified to vote may seek to register and vote in a confidential manner pursuant to Section 2166.5 of the Elections Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1005, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1999.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6208

text:
The Secretary of State may not make a program participant’s address, other than the address designated by the Secretary of State, or a program participant’s name change available for inspection or copying, except under any of the following circumstances:

(a) If requested by a law enforcement agency, to the law enforcement agency.

(b) If directed by a court order, to a person identified in the order.

(c) If certification has been terminated as a result of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 6206.7.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 200, Sec. 3. (SB 636) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) (1) No person, business, association, or other entity shall knowingly and intentionally publicly post or publicly display on the internet or any other public space the home address, home telephone number, or image of a program participant or other individuals residing at the same home address with the intent to do either of the following:

(A) Incite a third person to cause imminent great bodily harm to the person identified in the posting or display, or to a coresident of that person, where the third person is likely to commit this harm.

(B) Threaten the person identified in the posting or display, or a coresident of that person, in a manner that places the person identified or the coresident in objectively reasonable fear for their personal safety. Disclosure alone may be considered a threat, depending on the totality of the circumstances.

(2) A participant whose home address, home telephone number, or image is made public as a result of a violation of paragraph (1) may do either or both of the following:

(A) Bring an action seeking injunctive or declarative relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. If a jury or court finds that a violation has occurred, it may grant injunctive or declarative relief and shall award the successful plaintiff court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

(B) Bring an action for money damages in any court of competent jurisdiction. In addition to any other legal rights or remedies, if a jury or court finds that a violation has occurred, it shall award damages to that individual in an amount up to a maximum of three times the actual damages, but in no case less than four thousand dollars ($4,000).

(b) (1) No person, business, association, or other entity shall knowingly and intentionally publicly post or publicly display on the internet or other public space the home address or home telephone number of a participant if that individual has made a written demand of that person, business, or association to not disclose their home address or home telephone number. A demand made under this paragraph shall include a sworn statement declaring that the person is subject to the protection of this section and describing a reasonable fear for the safety of that individual or of any person residing at the individual’s home address, based on a violation of subdivision (a). A written demand made under this paragraph shall be effective for four years, regardless of whether or not the individual’s program participation has expired before the end of the four-year period.

(2) A participant whose home address or home telephone number is made public as a result of a failure to honor a demand made pursuant to paragraph (1) may bring an action seeking injunctive or declarative relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. If a jury or court finds that a violation has occurred, it may grant injunctive or declarative relief and shall award the successful plaintiff court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

(3) This subdivision shall not apply to a person or entity defined in Section 1070 of the Evidence Code.

(c) (1) No person, business, association, or other entity shall solicit, sell, or trade on the internet, or any other forum, the home address, home telephone number, or image of a participant with the intent to do either of the following:

(A) Incite a third person to cause imminent great bodily harm to the person identified in the posting or display, or to a coresident of that person, where the third person is likely to commit this harm.

(B) Threaten the person identified in the posting or display, or a coresident of that person, in a manner that places the person identified or the coresident in objectively reasonable fear for their personal safety.

(2) A participant whose home address, home telephone number, or image is solicited, sold, or traded in violation of paragraph (1) may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction. In addition to any other legal rights and remedies, if a jury or court finds that a violation has occurred, it shall award damages to that individual in an amount up to a maximum of three times the actual damages, but in no case less than four thousand dollars ($4,000).

(d) An interactive computer service or access software provider, as defined in Section 230(f) of Title 47 of the United States Code, shall not be liable under this section unless the service or provider intends to abet or cause bodily harm that is likely to occur or threatens to cause bodily harm to a participant or any person residing at the same home address.

(e) Nothing in this section is intended to preclude prosecution under any other provision of law.

(f) For the purposes of this section, the following terms are defined as follows:

(1) “Image” includes, but is not limited to, any photograph, video, sketch, or computer-generated image that provides a means to visually identify the person depicted.

(2) “Program participant” means a person certified as a program participant in the manner described in Section 6206.

(3) “Publicly post” or “publicly display” means to communicate or otherwise make available to the general public.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 686, Sec. 7. (AB 1726) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) (1) No person shall post on the internet or any other public space, with the intent that another person imminently use that information to commit a crime involving violence, a threat of violence against, or to intimidate the participant or the program participant’s family members who are participating in the program, the home address, the telephone number, or personal identifying information of a program participant or the program participant’s family members who are participating in the program.

(2) A violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or imprisonment of up to six months in a county jail, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(3) A violation of this subdivision that leads to the bodily injury of the program participant, or of any of the program participant’s family members who are participating in the program, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment of up to one year in a county jail, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(b) Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under any other provision of law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 686, Sec. 8. (AB 1726) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) The Secretary of State shall designate state and local agencies and nonprofit agencies that provide counseling and shelter services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abduction, or human trafficking as well as agencies that serve victims of elder or dependent adult abuse pursuant to the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 15600) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code) to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, or elder or dependent adult abuse applying to be program participants. The Secretary of State shall conduct outreach activities to identify and recruit the agencies. Any assistance and counseling rendered by the office of the Secretary of State or its designees to applicants shall in no way be construed as legal advice.

(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 8) and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 642, Sec. 9. (AB 243) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative July 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6209

text: The Secretary of State may adopt rules to facilitate the administration of this chapter by state and local agencies.

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) The Secretary of State shall provide each program participant a notice in clear and conspicuous font that contains all of the following information:

(1) The program participant is authorized by law to request to use the address designated by the Secretary of State on real property deeds, change of ownership forms, and deeds of trust when purchasing or selling a home.

(2) The program participant may create a revocable living trust and place their real property into the trust to protect their residential street address from disclosure in real property transactions.

(3) The program participant may obtain a change of their legal name to protect their anonymity.

(4) A list of contact information for entities that the program participant may contact to receive information on, or receive legal services for, the creation of a trust to hold real property or obtaining a name change, including county bar associations, legal aid societies, domestic violence prevention organizations, human trafficking prevention organizations, child abduction prevention organizations, elder and dependent adult abuse prevention organizations, state and local agencies, or other nonprofit organizations that may be able to assist program participants.

(b) Commencing January 1, 2023, the Secretary of State shall make the notice required by this section available in English and in at least the other languages described in Section 1632 of the Civil Code. The Secretary of State may make the notice available in additional languages.

(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 10) and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 642, Sec. 11. (AB 243) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative July 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text: Commencing January 1, 2023, the Secretary of State shall maintain information about the program, contact information for community-based victims’ assistance programs and community-based assistance programs that serve victims of elder or dependent adult abuse that can assist a person in applying to participate in the program, and sample application forms on the secretary’s internet website. The sample application forms shall be available in English and in at least the other languages described in Section 1632 of the Civil Code. The Secretary of State may make the sample application forms available in additional languages.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 457, Sec. 4. (AB 277) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) Nothing in this chapter, nor participation in this program, affects custody or visitation orders in effect before or during program participation. A program participant who falsifies their location in order to unlawfully avoid custody or visitation orders is subject to immediate termination from the program and is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) (1) The fact that a participant is registered with the program shall create a rebuttable presumption that disclosure of information about the participant’s location and activities during the period of the registration, including, but not limited to, the participant’s current and past residential, work, or school addresses and other location information, would lead to the discovery of the participant’s actual residential address or physical location, would endanger the safety of the participant, and is not authorized.

(2) This subdivision creates a presumption affecting the burden of producing evidence and may be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence showing, among other things, that discovery of the information about the participant’s location and activities would not lead to discovery of the participant’s actual residential address or physical location and would not endanger the safety of the participant. The presumption shall not be rebutted merely by the other parent’s desire to know the participant’s address, and the court shall weigh participant safety. If a court finds the presumption is rebutted, it shall provide its reasons on the record.

(3) This presumption shall also govern discovery requests under the Civil Discovery Act (Title 4 (commencing with Section 2016.010) of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure). A participant shall not be required to provide, in discovery, their residential address or other location information reasonably likely to lead to the discovery of these addresses, unless ordered to do so by a court after the other party has rebutted the presumption against disclosure of this information.

(c) Participation in the program does not constitute evidence of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abduction, or elder or dependent adult abuse for purposes of making custody or visitation orders.

(d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 12) and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 642, Sec. 13. (AB 243) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative July 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6210

text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 7550.5, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Legislature, no later than January 10 of each year, a report that includes the total number of applications received for the program established by this chapter. The report shall disclose the number of program participants within each county and shall also describe any allegations of misuse relating to election purposes.

(b) The Secretary of State shall commence accepting applications and other activities under this program on July 1, 1999.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 7550.5, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Legislature by January 1, 2004, a report that includes the total number of pieces of mail forwarded to program participants, the number of program participants during the program’s duration, the number of program participants who obtained a confidential name change pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1277 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the average length of time a participant remains in the program, and the targeted code changes needed to improve the program’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 33, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2001.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6215

text:
The Legislature finds and declares the following:

(a) Persons working in the reproductive health care field, specifically the provision of terminating a pregnancy, are often subject to harassment, threats, and acts of violence by persons or groups.

(1) In 2000, 30 percent of respondents to a Senate Office of Research survey of 172 California reproductive health care providers reported they or their families had been targets of acts of violence by groups that oppose reproductive rights at locations away from their clinics or offices.

(2) Persons and groups that oppose reproductive rights attempt to stop the provision of legal reproductive health care services by threatening reproductive health care service providers, clinics, employees, volunteers, and patients. The names, photographs, spouses’ names, and home addresses of these providers, employees, volunteers, and patients have been posted on Internet Web sites. From one website list that includes personal information of reproductive health care service providers, seven persons have been murdered and 14 have been injured. As of August 5, 2002, there are 78 Californians listed on this site. The threat of violence toward reproductive health care service providers and those who assist them has clearly extended beyond the clinic and into the home.

(3) Nationally, between 1992 and 1996, the number of reproductive health care service providers declined by 14 percent. Nearly one out of every four women must travel more than 50 miles to obtain reproductive health care services dealing with the termination of a pregnancy. There exists a fear on the part of physicians to enter the reproductive health care field and to provide reproductive health care services.

(4) Reproductive health care services are legal medical procedures. In order to prevent potential acts of violence from being committed against providers, employees, and volunteers who assist in the provision of reproductive health care services and the patients seeking those services, it is necessary for the Legislature to ensure that the home address information of these individuals is kept confidential.

(b) Other individuals are also subject to harassment, threats, and acts of violence from the public because of their work with the public, which have become more frequent and serious since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They include, but are not limited to, public health officers and public health workers, election workers, school board members, and code enforcement officers.

(1) For example, persons working in the elections field are often subject to harassment, threats, and acts of violence by persons or groups. Violent threats and harassment of election workers reached alarming levels in the 2020 general election and continued into 2021. A survey of election officials in 2021 found that one in three election officials feel unsafe because of their job, and nearly one in five listed threats to their lives as a job-related concern.

(2) The names, photographs, and home addresses of these public servants have been posted on internet websites. While performing election-related duties, election officials were subjected to explicit death threats, anger-laden language and demoralizing behavior, statements that threatened their own and their family’s safety and well-being, and statements that interfered with their ability to do their job. The threat of violence toward election workers has extended beyond the polling place and into the home.

(3) Experts predict a massive departure from the profession of election administration if protective measures are not implemented. In California, 15 percent of election officials have retired since the 2020 election. Elections play a vital role in a free and fair society and are a cornerstone of American democracy, but those charged with administrating elections are increasingly subjected to violent threats, harassment, and intimidation. In order to prevent acts of violence from being committed against employees who assist in the administration of elections, it is necessary for the Legislature to ensure that the home addresses of these individuals are kept confidential.

(4) While many of these individuals wish to protect the confidentiality of their home addresses by means of address confidentiality programs operated by the Secretary of State, they may not be eligible to do so under current law. It is the intent of the Legislature in this chapter to offer address protection services to persons whose work for a public entity exposes them to violent threats, harassment, and intimidation from the public that are equivalent to what is experienced by those now eligible for the address confidentiality program pursuant to this chapter.

(c) The purpose of this chapter is to enable state and local agencies to respond to requests for public records without disclosing the residential location of a designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient, as defined in Section 6215.1, or other individual who faces threats of violence or violence from the public because of their work for a public entity, to enable interagency cooperation with the Secretary of State in providing address confidentiality for program participants, and to enable state and local agencies to accept a program participant’s use of an address designated by the Secretary of State as a substitute mailing address.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 679, Sec. 1. (AB 82) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 1. GENERAL

path: 1. GENERAL > 7. MISCELLANEOUS > 3.2. Address Confidentiality for Reproductive Health Care Service Providers, Employees, Volunteers, Patients, and Other Individuals Who Face Threats or Violence Because of Work for a Public Entity


text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(a) “Address” means a residential street address, school address, or work address of an individual, as specified on the individual’s application to be a program participant under this chapter.

(b) “Designated health care services” means gender-affirming health care services or reproductive health care services.

(c) “Designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient” means a gender-affirming health care or a gender-affirming mental health care provider, employee, volunteer, or patient, or a reproductive health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient.

(d) “Designated health care services facility” means a gender-affirming health care services facility or a reproductive health care services facility.

(e) “Domicile” means a place of habitation as defined in Section 349 of the Elections Code.

(f) “Gender-affirming health care” and “gender-affirming mental health care” shall have the same meaning as provided in Section 16010.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(g) “Gender-affirming health care and gender-affirming mental health care provider, employee, volunteer, or patient” means a person who obtains, provides, or assists, at the request of another person, in obtaining or providing gender-affirming health care services, or a person who owns or operates a gender-affirming health care services facility.

(h) “Gender-affirming health care services facility” includes a hospital, an office operated by a licensed health care provider, a licensed clinic, or other licensed health care facility that provides gender-affirming health care services.

(i) “Reproductive health care services” means health care services relating to the termination of a pregnancy in a reproductive health care services facility.

(j) “Reproductive health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient” means a person who obtains, provides, or assists, at the request of another person, in obtaining or providing reproductive health care services, or a person who owns or operates a reproductive health care services facility.

(k) “Reproductive health care services facility” includes a hospital, an office operated by a licensed physician and surgeon, a licensed clinic, or other licensed health care facility that provides reproductive health care services and includes only the building or structure in which the reproductive health care services are actually provided.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 679, Sec. 2. (AB 82) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 1. GENERAL

chapter: 3.2. Address Confidentiality for Reproductive Health Care Service Providers, Employees, Volunteers, Patients, and Other Individuals Who Face Threats or Violence Because of Work for a Public Entity


text:
(a) An adult person, a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor, or a guardian acting on behalf of an incapacitated person, who is domiciled in California, may apply to the Secretary of State to have an address designated by the Secretary of State to serve as the person’s address or the address of the minor or incapacitated person. An application shall be completed in person at a community-based assistance program designated by the Secretary of State. The application process shall include a requirement that the applicant shall meet with a counselor and receive orientation information about the program. The Secretary of State shall approve an application if it is filed in the manner and on the form prescribed by the Secretary of State and if it contains all of the following:

(1) If the applicant alleges that the basis for the application is that the applicant, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, is a designated health care provider, employee, or volunteer, who is fearful for their safety or the safety of their family because of their affiliation with a designated health care services facility, the application shall be accompanied by all of the following:

(A) Documentation showing that the individual is to commence employment or is currently employed as a provider or employee at a designated health care services facility, or is volunteering at a designated health care services facility.

(B) One of the following:

(i) A certified statement signed by a person authorized by the designated health care services facility stating that the facility or any of its providers, employees, volunteers, or patients is or was the target of threats, harassment, or acts of violence or harassment within one year of the date of the application. A person who willfully certifies as true any material matter pursuant to this section that the person knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(ii) A certified statement signed by the employee or patient of, or volunteer for, the designated health care services facility stating that they have been the target of threats, harassment, or acts of violence within one year of the date of the application because of their association with the designated health care services facility. A person who willfully certifies as true any material matter pursuant to this section that the person knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(iii) A workplace violence restraining order described in Section 527.8 of the Code of Civil Procedure, issued after a noticed hearing, or a civil restraining order described in Section 527.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, issued after a noticed hearing, protecting the applicant or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made. The order must be based upon threats or acts of violence to the applicant or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made and connected with the designated health care services facility.

(C) A sworn statement that the applicant fears for their safety or the safety of their family, or the safety of the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made due to their affiliation with the designated health care services facility authorized to provide the declaration described in subparagraph (B).

(2) If the applicant alleges that the basis for the application is that the applicant is a designated health care services facility volunteer, the application shall, in addition to the documents specified in paragraph (1), be accompanied by documentation by the designated health care services facility showing the length of time the volunteer has committed to working at the facility.

(3) If the applicant alleges that the basis of the application is that the applicant, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, is a person who is or has been the target of threats or acts of violence because the applicant is obtaining or seeking to obtain services at a designated health care services facility within one year of the date of the application, the application shall be accompanied by the following:

(A) A sworn statement that the applicant has good reason to fear for their safety or the safety of their family.

(B) Any police, court, or other governmental agency records or files that show any complaints of the alleged threats or acts of violence.

(4) A designation of the Secretary of State as agent for purposes of service of process and for the purpose of receipt of mail.

(A) Service on the Secretary of State of any summons, writ, notice, demand, or process shall be made by delivering to the address confidentiality program personnel of the office of the Secretary of State two copies of the summons, writ, notice, demand, or process.

(B) If a summons, writ, notice, demand, or process is served on the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall immediately cause a copy to be forwarded to the program participant at the address shown on the records of the address confidentiality program so that the summons, writ, notice, demand, or process is received by the program participant within three days of the Secretary of State’s having received it.

(C) The Secretary of State shall keep a record of all summonses, writs, notices, demands, and processes served upon the Secretary of State under this section and shall record the time of that service and the Secretary of State’s action.

(D) The office of the Secretary of State and any agent or person employed by the Secretary of State shall be held harmless from any liability in any action brought by any person injured or harmed as a result of the handling of first-class mail on behalf of program participants.

(5) The mailing address where the applicant can be contacted by the Secretary of State, and the telephone number or numbers where the applicant can be called by the Secretary of State.

(6) The address or addresses that the applicant requests not be disclosed for the reason that disclosure will increase the risk of threats or acts of violence or harassment toward the applicant.

(7) The signature of the applicant and of any individual or representative of any office designated in writing who assisted in the preparation of the application, and the date on which the applicant signed the application.

(b) An application may be submitted on the basis that a person is employed by or performs work pursuant to a contract with a public entity and faces threats of violence or violence or harassment from the public because of their work for the public entity. An adult person, a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor, or a guardian acting on behalf of an incapacitated person, who is domiciled in California, may apply to the Secretary of State to have an address designated by the Secretary of State to serve as the person’s address or the address of the minor or incapacitated person. An application shall be completed in person at a community-based assistance program designated by the Secretary of State. The application process shall include a requirement that the applicant shall meet with a counselor and receive orientation information about the program. The Secretary of State shall approve an application if it is filed in the manner and on the form prescribed by the Secretary of State and if it contains all of the following:

(1) If the applicant alleges that the basis for the application is that the applicant, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made is employed by a public entity or performs work pursuant to a contract with a public entity and faces threats of violence or violence or harassment from the public because of their work for the public entity and is fearful for their safety or the safety of their family because of their work for the public entity, the application shall be accompanied by all of the following:

(A) Documentation showing that the individual is to commence employment or is currently employed by a public entity or performs work pursuant to a contract with a public entity in an occupation where workers have faced threats of violence or violence or harassment from the public because of their work for the public entity.

(B) One of the following:

(i) A certified statement signed by a person affiliated with the applicant’s place of work or employment who has personal knowledge of the circumstances at the place of work or employment, stating that workers or employees have been the target of threats or acts of violence or harassment within one year of the date of the application. A person who willfully certifies as true any material matter pursuant to this section that the person knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(ii) A certified statement signed by the worker or employee, stating that they have been the target of threats or acts of violence or harassment within one year of the date of the application because of their work for a public entity. A person who willfully certifies as true any material matter pursuant to this section that the person knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(iii) A workplace violence restraining order described in Section 527.8 of the Code of Civil Procedure, issued after a noticed hearing, or a civil restraining order described in Section 527.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, issued after a noticed hearing, protecting the applicant or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made. The order must be based upon threats or acts of violence connected with the applicant’s work for a public entity or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made.

(C) A sworn statement that the applicant fears for their safety or the safety of their family, or the safety of the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, due to their work for a public entity.

(2) A designation of the Secretary of State as agent for purposes of service of process and for the purpose of receipt of mail.

(A) Service on the Secretary of State of any summons, writ, notice, demand, or process shall be made by delivering to the address confidentiality program personnel of the office of the Secretary of State two copies of the summons, writ, notice, demand, or process.

(B) If a summons, writ, notice, demand, or process is served on the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall immediately cause a copy to be forwarded to the program participant at the address shown on the records of the address confidentiality program so that the summons, writ, notice, demand, or process is received by the program participant within three days of the Secretary of State’s having received it.

(C) The Secretary of State shall keep a record of all summonses, writs, notices, demands, and processes served upon the Secretary of State under this section and shall record the time of that service and the Secretary of State’s action.

(D) The office of the Secretary of State and any agent or person employed by the Secretary of State shall be held harmless from any liability in any action brought by any person injured or harmed as a result of the handling of first-class mail on behalf of program participants.

(3) The mailing address where the applicant can be contacted by the Secretary of State, and the telephone number or numbers where the applicant can be called by the Secretary of State.

(4) The address or addresses that the applicant requests not be disclosed for the reason that disclosure will increase the risk of acts of violence or harassment toward the applicant.

(5) The signature of the applicant and of any individual or representative of any office designated in writing who assisted in the preparation of the application, and the date on which the applicant signed the application.

(c) Applications shall be filed with the office of the Secretary of State.

(d) Submitted applications shall be accompanied by payment of a fee to be determined by the Secretary of State. This fee shall not exceed the actual costs of enrolling in the program. In addition, annual fees may also be assessed by the Secretary of State to defray the actual costs of maintaining this program. Annual fees assessed by the Secretary of State shall also be used to reimburse the General Fund for any amounts expended from that fund for the purposes of this chapter. No applicant who is a patient of a designated health care services facility shall be required to pay an application fee or the annual fee under this program.

(e) The Address Confidentiality for Reproductive Health Care Services Fund is hereby created in the General Fund. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in the fund are available for the administration of the program established pursuant to this chapter.

(f) Upon filing a properly completed application, the Secretary of State shall certify the applicant as a program participant. Applicants, with the exception of designated health care services facilities volunteers, shall be certified for four years following the date of filing unless the certification is withdrawn, or invalidated before that date. Designated health care services facility volunteers shall be certified until six months from the last date of volunteering with the facility. The Secretary of State shall by rule establish a renewal procedure. A minor program participant, who reaches 18 years of age, may renew as an adult following the renewal procedures established by the Secretary of State.

(g) A person who falsely attests in an application that disclosure of the applicant’s address would endanger the applicant’s safety or the safety of the applicant’s family or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, or who knowingly provides false or incorrect information upon making an application, is guilty of a misdemeanor. A notice shall be printed in bold type and in a conspicuous location on the face of the application informing the applicant of the penalties under this subdivision.

(h) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Harassment” is repeated, unreasonable, and unwelcome conduct directed at a targeted individual that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their own safety or the safety of a household member. Harassing conduct may include, but is not limited to, following, stalking, phone calls, or written correspondence.

(2) “Public entity” means a federal, state, or local governmental agency.

(3) “Work for a public entity” means work performed by an employee of a public entity, or work performed for a public entity by a person pursuant to a contract with the public entity.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 679, Sec. 3. (AB 82) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) The Secretary of State shall cancel certification of a program participant who fails to disclose a change in employment status, or termination as a provider or volunteer.

(b) Upon termination of a program participant’s certification, the Secretary of State shall retain records as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subdivision (g) of Section 6215.4 or Section 6215.7, any records or documents pertaining to a program participant shall be held confidential.

(2) All records or documents pertaining to a program participant shall be retained for a period of three years after termination of certification and then destroyed without further notice.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 270, Sec. 8. (SB 1082) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) A program participant may withdraw from program participation by submitting to the Secretary of State written notification of withdrawal and his or her current identification card. Certification shall be terminated on the date of receipt of this notification.

(b) The Secretary of State may terminate a program participant’s certification and invalidate his or her authorization card for any of the following reasons:

(1) The program participant’s certification term has expired and certification renewal has not been completed.

(2) The Secretary of State has determined that false information was used in the application process to qualify as a program participant or that participation in the program is being used as a subterfuge to avoid detection of illegal or criminal activity or apprehension by law enforcement.

(3) The program participant no longer resides at the residential address provided to the Secretary of State, and has not provided at least seven days’ prior notice in writing of a change in address.

(4) A service of process document or mail forwarded to the program participant by the Secretary of State is returned as nondeliverable.

(5) The program participant who is a provider, employee, or volunteer fails to disclose a change in employment, or termination as volunteer or provider.

(6) The program participant, who reaches 18 years of age during his or her certification term, has not renewed his or her certification within 60 days of him or her reaching 18 years of age.

(c) The Secretary of State may refuse to renew a program participant’s certification if the adult program participant or the parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person has abandoned his or her domicile in this state.

(d) If termination is based on any of the reasons under subdivision (b) or (c), the Secretary of State shall send written notification of the intended termination to the program participant. The program participant shall have 30 business days in which to appeal the termination under procedures developed by the Secretary of State.

(e) The Secretary of State shall notify in writing the county elections official and authorized personnel of the appropriate county clerk’s office, and county recording office of the program participant’s certification withdrawal, invalidation, expiration, or termination.

(f) Upon receipt of this termination notification, authorized personnel shall transmit to the Secretary of State all appropriate administrative records pertaining to the program participant and the record transmitting agency is no longer responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of a terminated program participant’s record.

(g) Following termination of program participant certification as a result of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), the Secretary of State may disclose information contained in the participant’s application.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 270, Sec. 9. (SB 1082) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) A program participant may request that state and local agencies use the address designated by the Secretary of State as his or her address. When creating a public record, state and local agencies shall accept the address designated by the Secretary of State as a program participant’s substitute address, unless the Secretary of State has determined both of the following:

(1) The agency has a bona fide statutory or administrative requirement for the use of the address that would otherwise be confidential under this chapter.

(2) This address will be used only for those statutory and administrative purposes and shall not be publicly disseminated.

(b) A program participant may request that state and local agencies use the address designated by the Secretary of State as his or her address. When modifying or maintaining a public record, excluding the record of any birth, fetal death, death, or marriage registered under Division 102 (commencing with Section 102100) of the Health and Safety Code, state and local agencies shall accept the address designated by the Secretary of State as a program participant’s substitute address, unless the Secretary of State has determined both of the following:

(1) The agency has a bona fide statutory or administrative requirement for the use of the address that would otherwise be confidential under this chapter.

(2) This address will be used only for those statutory and administrative purposes and shall not be publicly disseminated.

(c) A program participant may use the address designated by the Secretary of State as his or her work address.

(d) The office of the Secretary of State shall forward all first-class mail and all mail sent by a governmental agency to the appropriate program participants. The office of the Secretary of State may, in its discretion, refuse to handle or forward packages regardless of size or type of mailing.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), program participants shall comply with the provisions specified in subdivision (d) of Section 1808.21 of the Vehicle Code if requesting suppression of the records maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Program participants shall also comply with all other provisions of the Vehicle Code relating to providing current address information to the department.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 270, Sec. 10. (SB 1082) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 1. GENERAL


history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 380, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2003.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
The Secretary of State may not make a program participant’s address, other than the address designated by the Secretary of State, available for inspection or copying, except under any of the following circumstances:

(a) If requested by a law enforcement agency, to the law enforcement agency.

(b) If directed by a court order, to a person identified in the order.

(c) If certification has been terminated pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 6215.4.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 200, Sec. 8. (SB 636) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text: The Secretary of State shall designate state and local agencies and nonprofit agencies that may assist persons applying to be program participants. Any assistance and counseling rendered by the office of the Secretary of State or its designees to applicants shall in no way be construed as legal advice.

title: 1. GENERAL


text: The Secretary of State may adopt rules to facilitate the administration of this chapter by state and local agencies. The Secretary of State shall administer this chapter together with and in the same manner as the Address Confidentiality For Victims of Domestic Violence and Stalking (Safe at Home) program.

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
(a) A person, business, or association shall not publicly post or publicly display on the Internet the home address of a program participant who has made a written demand of that person, business, or association to not disclose the home address of the program participant.

(b) A person, business, or association shall not knowingly post the home address of a program participant, or of the program participant’s residing spouse or child, on the Internet knowing that person is a program participant and intending to cause imminent great bodily harm that is likely to occur or threatening to cause imminent great bodily harm to that individual.

(c) This section shall not apply to an interactive computer service or access software provider, as defined in Section 230(f) of Title 47 of the United States Code, unless the service or provider intends to abet or cause imminent great bodily harm that is likely to occur or threatens to cause imminent great bodily harm to a program participant.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 881, Sec. 2. (AB 2263) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 1. GENERAL


text:
The Secretary of State shall provide each program participant a notice in clear and conspicuous font that contains all of the following information:

(a) The program participant is authorized by law to request to use his or her address designated by the Secretary of State on real property deeds, change of ownership forms, and deeds of trust when purchasing or selling a home.

(b) The program participant may create a revocable living trust and place his or her real property into the trust to protect his or her residential street address from disclosure in real property transactions.

(c) The program participant may obtain a change of his or her legal name to protect his or her anonymity.

(d) A list of contact information for entities that the program participant may contact to receive information on, or receive legal services for, the creation of a trust to hold real property or obtaining a name change, including county bar associations, legal aid societies, state and local agencies, or other nonprofit organizations that may be able to assist program participants.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 881, Sec. 3. (AB 2263) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6216

text:
(a) The Secretary of State shall submit to the Legislature, no later than January 10 of each year, a report that includes the total number of applications received for the program established by this chapter. The report shall disclose the number of program participants within each county and shall also describe any allegations of misuse relating to election purposes.

(b) The Secretary of State shall commence accepting applications under this program on April 1, 2003.

(c) The Secretary of State shall submit to the Legislature by July 1, 2006, a report that includes the total number of pieces of mail forwarded to program participants, the number of program participants during the program’s duration, the average length of time a participant remains in the program, and the targeted code changes needed to improve the program’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6218

text:
(a) (1) A person, business, or association shall not knowingly publicly post or publicly display, disclose, or distribute on internet websites or social media, the personal information or image of any designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient, or other individuals residing at the same home address, with the intent to do either of the following:

(A) Incite a third person to cause imminent great bodily harm to the designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient identified in the posting or display, or to a coresident of that person, where the third person is likely to commit this harm.

(B) Threaten the designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient, identified in the posting or display, or a coresident of that person, in a manner that places the person identified or the coresident in objectively reasonable fear for their personal safety.

(2) A designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient whose personal information or image is made public as a result of a violation of paragraph (1), or any individual entity or organization authorized to act on their behalf, may do either or both of the following:

(A) Bring an action seeking injunctive or declarative relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. If a jury or court finds that a violation has occurred, it may grant injunctive or declarative relief and shall award the successful plaintiff court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

(B) Bring an action for money damages in any court of competent jurisdiction. In addition to any other legal rights or remedies, if a jury or court finds that a violation has occurred, it shall award damages to that individual in an amount up to a maximum of three times the actual damages, but in no case less than four thousand dollars ($4,000).

(b) (1) A person, business, or association shall not publicly post or publicly display, disclose, or distribute, on internet websites or social media, the personal information or image of a designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient if that individual, or any individual, entity, or organization authorized to act on their behalf, has made a written demand of that person, business, or association to not disclose the personal information or image. A written demand made under this paragraph shall include a statement declaring that the individual is subject to the protection of this section and describing a reasonable fear for the safety of that individual or of any person residing at the individual’s home address, based on a violation of subdivision (a). A demand made under this paragraph shall be effective for four years, regardless of whether or not the individual’s affiliation with a designated health care services facility has expired prior to the end of the four-year period.

(2) A designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient whose personal information or image is made public as a result of a failure to honor a demand made pursuant to paragraph (1), or any individual, entity, or organization authorized to act on their behalf, may bring an action seeking injunctive or declarative relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. If a jury or court finds that a violation has occurred, it may grant injunctive or declarative relief and shall award the successful plaintiff court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

(3) This subdivision does not apply to a person or entity defined in Section 1070 of the Evidence Code.

(c) (1) A person, business, or association shall not solicit, sell, or trade on the internet or social media the personal information or image of a designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient with the intent to do either of the following:

(A) Incite a third person to cause imminent great bodily harm to the person identified in the posting or display, or to a coresident of that person, where the third person is likely to commit this harm.

(B) Threaten the person identified in the posting or display, or a coresident of that person, in a manner that places the person identified or the coresident in objectively reasonable fear for their personal safety.

(2) A designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient whose personal information or image is solicited, sold, or traded in violation of paragraph (1), or any individual, entity, or organization authorized to act on their behalf, may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction. In addition to any other legal rights and remedies, if a jury or court finds that a violation has occurred, it shall award damages to that individual in an amount up to a maximum of three times the actual damages, but in no case less than four thousand dollars ($4,000).

(d) An interactive computer service or access software provider, as defined in Section 230(f) of Title 47 of the United States Code, shall not be liable under this section unless the service or provider intends to abet or cause bodily harm that is likely to occur or threatens to cause bodily harm to a designated health care services patient, provider, or assistant, or any person residing at the same home address.

(e) This section does not preclude punishment under any other provision of law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 679, Sec. 4. (AB 82) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 1. GENERAL

path: 1. GENERAL > 7. MISCELLANEOUS > 3.25. Online Privacy for Reproductive Health Services Providers, Employees, Volunteers, and Patients


text:
(a) (1) A person shall not post on the internet or social media, with the intent that another person imminently use that information to commit a crime involving violence or a threat of violence against a designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient, or other individuals residing at the same home address, the personal information or image of a designated health care services patient, provider, or assistant, or other individuals residing at the same home address.

(2) A violation of this subdivision is punishable by a fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation, imprisonment of either up to one year in a county jail or pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(3) A violation of this subdivision that leads to the bodily injury of a designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient, or other individuals residing at the same home address, is a felony punishable by a fine of up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(b) Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under any other provision of law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 679, Sec. 5. (AB 82) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 1. GENERAL

chapter: 3.25. Online Privacy for Reproductive Health Services Providers, Employees, Volunteers, and Patients


text:
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(a) “Designated health care services” means gender-affirming health care services or reproductive health care services.

(b) “Designated health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient” means a gender-affirming health care or a gender-affirming mental health care provider, employee, volunteer, or patient, or a reproductive health care services provider, employee, volunteer, or patient.

(c) “Designated health care services facility” means a gender-affirming health care services facility or a reproductive health care services facility.

(d) “Gender-affirming health care” and “gender-affirming mental health care” shall have the same meaning as provided in Section 16010.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(e) “Gender-affirming health care and gender-affirming mental health care provider, employee, volunteer, or patient” means a person who obtains, provides, or assists, at the request of another person, in obtaining or providing gender-affirming health care services, or a person who owns or operates a gender-affirming health care services facility.

(f) “Gender-affirming health care services facility” includes a hospital, an office operated by a licensed physician and surgeon, a licensed clinic, or other licensed health care facility that provides gender-affirming health care services and includes only the building or structure in which the gender-affirming health care services are actually provided.

(g) “Image” includes, but is not limited to, a photograph, video footage, sketch, or computer-generated image that provides a means to visually identify the person depicted.

(h) “Personal information” means information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with a reproductive health care services patient, provider, or assistant, including, but not limited to, their name, signature, social security number, physical characteristics or description, address, telephone number, passport number, driver’s license or state identification card number, license plate number, employment, employment history, and financial information.

(i) “Publicly post” or “publicly display” means to intentionally communicate or otherwise make available to the general public.

(j) “Reproductive health care services” means health care services relating to the termination of a pregnancy in a reproductive health care services facility.

(k) “Reproductive health care services patient, provider, or assistant” means a person or entity, including, but not limited to, employees, staff, volunteers, and third-party vendors, that is or was involved in obtaining, seeking to obtain, providing, seeking to provide, or assisting or seeking to assist another person, at that person’s request, to obtain or provide any services in a reproductive health care services facility, or a person or entity that is or was involved in owning or operating or seeking to own or operate a reproductive health care services facility.

(l) “Reproductive health care services facility” includes a hospital, clinic, physician’s office, or other facility that provides or seeks to provide reproductive health care services and includes the building or structure in which the facility is located.

(m) “Social media” means an electronic service or account, or electronic content, including, but not limited to, videos or still photographs, blogs, video blogs, podcasts, instant and text messages, email, online services or accounts, or internet website profiles or locations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 679, Sec. 6. (AB 82) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6219

text:
(a) Each department, commission, office, or other administrative agency of state government shall write each document that it produces in plain, straightforward language, avoiding technical terms as much as possible, and using a coherent and easily readable style.

(b) As used in this section, a “state agency document” means any contract, form, license, announcement, regulation, manual, memorandum, or any other written communication that is necessary to carry out the agency’s responsibilities under the law.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 6215 (as added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1637) by Stats. 2004, Ch. 183, Sec. 133. Effective January 1, 2005.)

title: 1. GENERAL

chapter: 3.3. Governmental Linguistics

path: 1. GENERAL > 7. MISCELLANEOUS > 3.3. Governmental Linguistics


citation: GOV § 6300

text:
As used in this chapter:

(a) “Act of Congress” means the act of Congress approved June 18, 1934, titled “An act to provide for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of foreign-trade zones in ports of entry of the United States, to expedite and encourage foreign commerce, and for other purposes” (48 U. S. Stats. at L. Ch. 590.).

(b) “Public corporation” means the state, any political subdivision thereof, any incorporated municipality therein, any public agency of the state, of any political subdivision thereof, or of any municipality therein, or any corporate municipal instrumentality of this state, or of this state and one or more other states.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 13, Sec. 1. (AB 1727) Effective January 1, 2018.)

title: 1. GENERAL

chapter: 4. Foreign Trade Zones

path: 1. GENERAL > 7. MISCELLANEOUS > 4. Foreign Trade Zones


citation: GOV § 6302

text:
(a) A public corporation may apply for the privilege of establishing, operating, and maintaining a foreign-trade zone in accordance with the act of Congress.

(b) Any private corporation organized under the laws of the state subsequent to September 15, 1935, for the purpose of establishing, operating, and maintaining a foreign-trade zone in accordance with the act of Congress may apply for the privilege of establishing, operating, and maintaining a foreign-trade zone in accordance with the act of Congress.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 13, Sec. 3. (AB 1727) Effective January 1, 2018.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6304

text:
Any public or private corporation authorized by this chapter to apply and whose application is granted pursuant to the terms of the act of Congress may establish, operate, and maintain the foreign-trade zone:

(a) Subject to the conditions and restrictions of the act of Congress, and any amendments thereto.

(b) Under such rules and regulations and for the period of time that may be prescribed by the board established by the act of Congress to carry out the act.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 13, Sec. 5. (AB 1727) Effective January 1, 2018.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6310

text:
(a) There is in state government the International Genocide Memorial Commission composed of nine members, as follows:

(1) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the Assembly. The nonlegislative member shall be a genocide survivor or a descendant of a genocide survivor.

(2) Two members appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the Senate. The nonlegislative member shall be a genocide survivor or a descendant of a genocide survivor.

(3) Five members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be a member of the Governor’s staff or a Governor’s appointee in the executive branch of state government and at least four of whom shall be genocide survivors or descendants of genocide survivors.

(b) The members shall elect one of their number to serve as chairperson.

(c) Members of the Legislature shall serve on the commission as ex officio members without vote and shall participate in the activities of the commission to the extent that the participation is not incompatible with their legislative duties.

(d) Members of the commission may select representatives to attend commission activities if they themselves are unable to attend.

(e) Members of the commission shall receive no compensation but, except for the legislative members, shall receive per diem and expenses while engaged in commission activities.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 849, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)

title: 1. GENERAL

chapter: 4.1. International Genocide Memorial

path: 1. GENERAL > 7. MISCELLANEOUS > 4.1. International Genocide Memorial


citation: GOV § 6311

text:
(a) The construction of a memorial to California’s genocide survivors in the Capitol Historic Region is hereby authorized. The actual construction of the memorial may not proceed without the prior approval of the Department of General Services and the Capitol Park Master Plan Group.

(b) The department shall not begin construction of the memorial until the master plan of the State Capitol Park is approved and adopted by the Joint Committee on Rules. However, if the master plan of the State Capitol Park is not approved or adopted by the Joint Committee on Rules on or before January 1, 2021, the department may apply to the Joint Committee on Rules for an exemption to allow siting and construction.

(c) Funds for the construction of the memorial shall be provided through private contributions. The commission may receive contributions for this purpose.

(d) The department, in consultation with the International Genocide Memorial Commission, shall seek to accomplish the following goals:

(1) Review the preliminary design plans to identify potential maintenance concerns.

(2) Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other safety concerns.

(3) Review and approval of proper California Environmental Quality Act documents prepared for work at the designated historic property.

(4) Review of final construction documents to ensure that all requirements are met.

(5) Preparation of the right of entry permit outlining the final area of work, final construction documents, construction plans, the contractor hired to perform the work, insurance, bonding, provisions for damage to state property, and inspection requirements.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 700, Sec. 1. (AB 2790) Effective September 27, 2016.)

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6312

text:
With respect to the design and construction of the memorial, the commission may do all of the following:

(a) Establish a schedule for design, construction, and dedication of the memorial.

(b) Implement procedures to solicit designs for the memorial and devise a selection process for the choice of the design.

(c) Select individuals or organizations to provide fundraising services and to construct the memorial.

(d) Review and monitor the design and construction of the memorial and establish a program for the dedication of the memorial.

(e) Report to the Legislature biannually through the Joint Committee on Rules on the progress of the memorial notwithstanding Section 7550.5.

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6313

text:
(a) No state moneys shall be expended for any of the purposes specified in this chapter. Funds for the construction of the memorial shall be provided exclusively through private contributions for this purpose.

(b) If the memorial is constructed, the commission shall maintain the memorial by providing for all necessary funding and resources.

title: 1. GENERAL


citation: GOV § 6500

text: As used in this article, “public agency” includes, but is not limited to, the federal government or any federal department or agency, this state, another state or any state department or agency, a county, county board of education, county superintendent of schools, city, public corporation, public district, regional transportation commission of this state or another state, a federally recognized Indian tribe, or any joint powers authority formed pursuant to this article by any of these agencies.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 266, Sec. 1. (AB 307) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 1. GENERAL

chapter: 5. Joint Exercise of Powers

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements

path: 1. GENERAL > 7. MISCELLANEOUS > 5. Joint Exercise of Powers > 1. Joint Powers Agreements


text: This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Joint Exercise of Powers Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 506, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2001.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


citation: GOV § 6501

text: This article does not authorize any state officer, board, commission, department, or other state agency or institution to make any agreement without the approval of the Department of General Services or the Director of General Services if such approval is required by law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 371.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


citation: GOV § 6502

text:
If authorized by their legislative or other governing bodies, two or more public agencies by agreement may jointly exercise any power common to the contracting parties, including, but not limited to, the authority to levy a fee, assessment, or tax, even though one or more of the contracting agencies may be located outside this state.

It shall not be necessary that any power common to the contracting parties be exercisable by each such contracting party with respect to the geographical area in which such power is to be jointly exercised. For purposes of this section, two or more public agencies having the power to conduct agricultural, livestock, industrial, cultural, or other fairs or exhibitions shall be deemed to have common power with respect to any such fair or exhibition conducted by any one or more of such public agencies or by an entity created pursuant to a joint powers agreement entered into by such public agencies.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 386, Sec. 2. (AB 2170) Effective January 1, 2015.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 6502 or any other law, a public agency with the authority to provide retail electric services may enter into a joint powers agreement with one or more public agencies with jurisdiction within the Coachella Valley Service Area to jointly exercise the authority to provide retail electric services notwithstanding an inability of a party to the joint powers agreement to exercise that power independently.

(b) For purposes of this section, “Coachella Valley Service Area” means the territory within the Imperial Irrigation District’s sphere of influence within the County of Riverside as determined by the Local Agency Formation Commission of the County of Riverside as set forth in Resolution No. 2020-10-3 adopted on April 23, 2020, and the land within the exterior boundaries of the Torres Martinez Reservation.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 585, Sec. 1. (AB 3198) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


text: For purposes of cogovernance and comanagement agreements entered into pursuant to Section 11019.82, powers exercisable by any public agency that is not a federally recognized tribe shall be deemed common to a contracting federally recognized tribe.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 657, Sec. 2. (AB 1284) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


text:
In addition to any power common to its member districts, the Resource Conservation Energy Joint Powers Agency has the authority to finance, construct, install, and operate projects for the production of biogas and electricity from the digestion or fermentation of animal or agricultural waste. The agency may undertake these projects within its jurisdiction or outside its jurisdiction. The authority to undertake projects outside the jurisdiction of the agency is limited to the geographical areas of Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, and Tulare Counties.

Prior to undertaking a project authorized by this section outside the jurisdiction of the agency, the agency shall obtain approval of the board of supervisors of the county in which the project is to be located.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 956, Sec. 1. Effective September 10, 1984.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


text:
(a) If authorized by their legislative or other governing bodies, two or more public agencies which have the authority to identify, plan for, monitor, control, regulate, dispose of, or abate liquid, toxic, or hazardous wastes or hazardous materials may, by agreement, jointly exercise any of these powers common to the contracting parties.

(b) The contracting parties may provide special services, including persons specially trained, experienced, expert, and competent to perform these special services.

(c) The provisions of this section are declaratory of existing law and do not limit any authority which already exists.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 126, Sec. 1.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


citation: GOV § 6503

text: The agreements shall state the purpose of the agreement or the power to be exercised. They shall provide for the method by which the purpose will be accomplished or the manner in which the power will be exercised.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1949, Ch. 84.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


text:
(a) When property tax revenues of a county of the second class are allocated by that county to an agency formed for the purpose of providing fire protection pursuant to this chapter, those funds may only be appropriated for expenditure by that agency for fire protection purposes.

(b) As used in this section, “fire protection purposes” means those purposes directly related to, and in furtherance of, providing fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, ambulance transport, disaster preparedness, rescue services, and related administrative costs.

(c) This section shall not be interpreted to alter any provision of law governing the processes by which cities or counties select providers of ambulance transport services.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 339, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


text:
Whenever a joint powers agreement provides for the creation of an agency or entity that is separate from the parties to the agreement and is responsible for the administration of the agreement, such agency or entity shall, within 30 days after the effective date of the agreement or amendment thereto, cause a notice of the agreement or amendment to be prepared and filed with the office of the Secretary of State. The agency or entity shall furnish an additional copy of the notice of the agreement or amendment to the Secretary of State, who shall forward the copy to the Controller. The notice shall contain:

(a) The name of each public agency that is a party to the agreement.

(b) The date that the agreement became effective.

(c) A statement of the purpose of the agreement or the power to be exercised.

(d) A description of the amendment or amendments made to the agreement, if any.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any agency or entity administering a joint powers agreement or amendment to such an agreement, which agreement or amendment becomes effective on or after the effective date of this section, which fails to file the notice required by this section within 30 days after the effective date of the agreement or amendment, shall not thereafter, and until such filings are completed, issue any bonds or incur indebtedness of any kind.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 343, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2008.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


text:
(a) When an agency or entity files a notice of agreement or amendment to the agreement with the office of the Secretary of State pursuant to Section 6503.5, the agency or entity shall file a copy of the full text of the original joint powers agreement, and any amendment to the agreement, with the Controller. An agency or entity that meets the definition of a joint powers authority or joint powers agency under Section 56047.7 that was formed for the purpose of providing municipal services and that includes a local agency member that is a city, district, or county shall, within 30 days after the effective date of the agreement or amendment to the agreement, file a copy of the agreement or amendment to the agreement with the local agency formation commission in each county within which all or any part of a local agency member’s territory is located.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any agency or entity administering a joint powers agreement or amendment to such an agreement, which agreement or amendment becomes effective on or after the effective date of this section, which fails to file the notice with a local agency formation commission required by this section within 30 days after the effective date of the agreement or amendment shall not thereafter, and until those filings are completed, issue any bonds or incur indebtedness of any kind.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 173, Sec. 1. (SB 1266) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements


text:
Within 90 days after the effective date of this section, any separate agency or entity constituted pursuant to a joint powers agreement entered into prior to the effective date of this section and responsible for the administration of the agreement shall cause a notice of the agreement to be prepared and filed with the office of the Secretary of State. The agency or entity shall also furnish an additional copy of the notice of the agreement to the Secretary of State who shall forward the copy to the Controller. The notice shall contain all the information required for notice given pursuant to Section 6503.5.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any joint powers agency that is required and fails to file notice pursuant to this section within 90 days after the effective date of this section shall not, thereafter, and until such filings are completed, issue any bonds, incur any debts, liabilities or obligations of any kind, or in any other way exercise any of its powers.

For purposes of recovering the costs incurred in filing and processing the notices required to be filed pursuant to this section and Section 6503.5, the Secretary of State may establish a schedule of fees. Such fees shall be collected by the office of the Secretary of State at the time the notices are filed and shall not exceed the reasonably anticipated cost to the Secretary of State of performing the work to which the fees relate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 343, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2008.)

title: 1. GENERAL

article: 1. Joint Powers Agreements