AB 1539: Presidential elections: qualifications for office.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

The Twenty-Second Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the election of any person to the office of the President more than twice. Under existing state law, each qualified political party is required to notify the Secretary of State of the names of the party’s nominees for President and Vice President on or before the 75th day before a presidential general election. Existing law requires the Secretary of State to cause the names of each party’s nominees for President and Vice President to be placed upon the ballot for the election.

This bill would require a representative of each qualified political party, and a representative of each independent presidential candidate or write-in presidential candidate, to certify to the Secretary of State, under penalty of perjury, that their nominees for President and Vice President are both qualified to be elected President under the Twenty-Second Amendment. If that certification is not made by the 75th day before the general election for the candidate of each qualified political party and an independent candidate, or by the 14th day before the general election for a write-in candidate, the bill would prohibit placing the names of those nominees for President and Vice President upon the ballot for the election. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 30, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 880, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 30, 2026Approved by the Governor.
3. September 3, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
4. August 26, 2026Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 77. Noes 0. Page 6566.).
5. August 25, 2026In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
6. August 25, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 30. Noes 8.).
7. August 18, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
8. August 17, 2026Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
9. August 13, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
10. August 13, 2026From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (August 13).
11. August 10, 2026In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file.
12. July 29, 2026In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.