Bill > AB64

This bill addresses several important changes to vital records management in California, focusing primarily on the accurate recording of diacritical marks (such as accents, tildes, and umlauts) in names on official documents. Beginning no earlier than two years after legislative funding, the State Registrar will be required to allow and properly record diacritical marks on English letters within name fields on birth, death, marriage, and other vital records. The bill provides that the presence or absence of these marks will not invalidate a document, and allows the State Registrar to develop a list of acceptable diacritical marks without extensive regulatory procedures. Starting July 1, 2026, individuals will be able to file an affidavit to correct names on existing records that lack diacritical marks, with support from another knowledgeable person and payment of a specified fee. The bill also increases the additional fee for certified copies of vital records from $3 to $5, with provisions for how these fees will be distributed between local and state agencies. The legislation aims to improve the accuracy of name recording on vital records, particularly for names with non-English characters, while establishing clear procedures for making corrections and providing flexibility in record-keeping.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB64