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SB 1357

Recall elections: notice of intention.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Choi and 2 co-sponsors

SB 1357 would redact proponents’ personal details (signatures, street numbers/names) from recall notices while preserving public recall information.

Set for hearing April 21.
#recallelections #noticeofintention
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Bill Summary · SB 1357

Summary of SB 1357 (2025-2026, California) – Recall Elections: Notice of Intention

Purpose and Intent

SB 1357, introduced by Senator Ochoa Bogh with Senators Choi and Niello as coauthors, aims to modify how recall notices of intention are disclosed to the public. The bill focuses on privacy protections for recall proponents while preserving the public nature of recall actions. It would adjust what information must be included in the notice of intention, how that information is published or posted, and how the information is made available to the public.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Redaction of PROponents’ Personal Information (11020(a)(3))

    • The notice of intention would no longer publicly disclose proponents’ signatures, street numbers, and street names.
    • The notice must exclude:
    • The signers’ signatures
    • The street number and street name of each proponent’s residence
    • A declaration would be added in the notice stating that proponents understand they are initiating the recall process, that the notice is a public record and will be published, that certain information will be available on request, and that signers cannot withdraw their information.

  • Minimum Number of Proponents (11020(b))

    • The bill maintains existing thresholds for the minimum number of proponents but reiterates the specified counts (e.g., 50 for state offices or large local jurisdictions; 30 for certain other jurisdictions) or multiples of signatures required on the nomination paper, whichever is higher.

  • Notice Filing and Service (11021)

    • A copy of the notice of intention must be served on the officer sought to be recalled.
    • The original notice, with an affidavit of service, must be filed within seven days with the appropriate election official (or Secretary of State for state officers).
    • The bill requires redaction of certain information before public disclosure, consistent with the privacy goals.

  • Publication and Internet Posting (11022)

    • If a newspaper of general circulation is available, publication at proponents’ expense remains as required.
    • If publication is not possible, the notice must be posted in at least three public places.
    • If publication is not possible, the notice (excluding confidential elements) must also be posted on at least three internet websites, including the jurisdiction’s site.
    • The Secretary of State would adopt regulations to implement internet posting requirements.
    • Provisions blocked from publication/posting include signatures, street numbers, street names, and certain other details.

  • Privacy and Access Findings (Section 4)

    • The bill includes legislative findings justifying limitations on public access to protect proponents’ privacy, aligning with constitutional considerations.

Who is Affected

  • Proponents of recall petitions (privacy protections for individuals who sign recall notices).
  • Local and state officers targeted for recall, as the process and thresholds remain in scope.
  • Elections officials and the Secretary of State, who would administer redaction and internet posting requirements.
  • The public, who would still have access to the general recall process information, but with more limited access to personal address details.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • SB 1357 follows the standard recall-notice framework (service, filing, publication) but adds privacy-focused amendments.
  • Action history shows committee referrals and a set for hearing in April 2026, with amendments and re-references as part of the legislative process.
  • If enacted, the changes would become effective to govern notices of intention going forward in recall campaigns.

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive provisions and their practical impact on recall petition notices and public access.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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