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AB 747

Relating to: regulating hemp-derived cannabinoid products.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cindi Duchow and 8 co-sponsors

AB 747 requires verifiable, transparent service of process with photos, timestamps, GPS data, a public server registry, and hearings to challenge improper service.

Representative Kirsch added as a coauthor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 747

Note: The bill text and documents you provided describe AB 747 (Kalra), the "Service of Process Accountability, Reform and Equity (SPARE) Act," which regulates process serving and proof of service. (Your initial title referencing hemp-derived cannabinoid products appears to be a mismatch with the attached bill text; this summary reflects the SPARE Act materials.)

Purpose / Intent

AB 747 (SPARE Act) is intended to reduce defective, fraudulent, or “sewer” service of process, improve transparency and accountability in process serving, and protect defendants’ due‑process rights by strengthening documentation and judicial review of service of summons and complaints.

Key provisions

  • Public register of process servers
    • Beginning January 1, 2027, county clerks must make their register of process servers publicly available. (Amends Business & Professions Code §22355.)
  • Definition of “reasonable diligence”
    • For purposes of personal/substituted/posting service in specified civil cases, “reasonable diligence” is defined as at least three good‑faith attempts at personal delivery on three different days at three different times.
  • Enhanced proof of service requirements (operative Jan 1, 2027)
    • Proof of service (when served personally, by substituted service, or by posting for unlawful detainer of real property) must include:
    • At least one photograph of the site of attempted or effectuated service, if obtainable without compromising server safety.
    • A readable stamp and GPS coordinates showing date, time, and location of service.
    • If no GPS or cellular signal is available, the process server must provide a detailed written statement explaining circumstances and location information.
  • Judicial remedies and procedures
    • A party who did not receive proper service may move to set aside or vacate a default or default judgment, seek leave to defend, or move to dismiss.
    • A moving party must proffer evidence that service was not effected; the party who sought the default/default judgment bears the burden of proving service was lawful by a preponderance of the evidence.
    • Courts must take evidence and hold a hearing (including receiving oral testimony if requested).
    • These provisions do not limit other available remedies.
  • Unlawful detainer complaints
    • Complaints must include information describing the date, time, and location of effected service of the termination-of-tenancy notice. (Operative Jan 1, 2027.)
  • State-mandated local program / reimbursement
    • Because the bill imposes duties on county clerks, it creates a state‑mandated local program. If the Commission on State Mandates finds costs are mandated, reimbursement will follow statutory procedures.

Who is affected

  • Process servers (individuals, corporations, partnerships) — additional documentation expectations and public listing.
  • County clerks — required to make registers publicly available and process enhanced ID/registration duties (creates local administrative duties).
  • Plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation — more robust proof of service and expanded opportunity to challenge defective service.
  • Landlords/tenants in unlawful detainer actions — additional complaint content requirements.
  • Courts — new evidentiary/hearing duties when service is challenged.

Timeline and status

  • Introduced: February 18, 2025 (author: Assemblymember Kalra).
  • Operative date for many provisions: January 1, 2027.
  • Legislative actions: Passed both houses with amendments; enrolled and presented to the Governor September 23, 2025.
  • Approved by Governor and chaptered: October 10, 2025 (Chapter 563, Statutes of 2025).
  • Post‑enactment: Senator Quinn added as a cosponsor (December 4, 2025).

Potential impacts / notes

  • Aimed at reducing fraudulent or inadequate service (e.g., “sewer service”) by increasing verifiable evidence (photos, GPS, timestamps).
  • May increase administrative burden on process servers and county clerks (technology for GPS/photo stamps; public listing maintenance).
  • Could change litigation practice by shifting evidentiary burdens in default proceedings and prompting more hearings when service is contested.
  • The bill includes a safety exception for photo collection and a provision for alternative detailed statements when technical means are unavailable.

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

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