Story perspectives

Newsom Signs Bill Curbing Police Ballot Seizures, $50K Penalties

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 73, immediately limiting law-enforcement access to ballots and voting materials.
The legislation was prompted by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s seizure of more than 650,000 ballots.
Senate Bill 73 imposes civil penalties up to $50,000 and criminal penalties up to three years imprisonment for unauthorized ballot seizures.
Attorney General Rob Bonta will issue guidance to local election officials on handling law-enforcement requests under the new law.

History

Historical Context

After the 2000 Florida recount, Senator Christopher Dodd authored the Help America Vote Act, which President George W. Bush signed on October 29 2002, passing the House 357-48 and the Senate 92-2. The law created the Election Assistance Commission and set uniform voting standards. Decades later, many states have introduced new election-security measures, extending HAVA’s legacy.

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Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 73, immediately limiting law-enforcement access to ballots and voting materials.
The legislation was prompted by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s seizure of more than 650,000 ballots.
Senate Bill 73 imposes civil penalties up to $50,000 and criminal penalties up to three years imprisonment for unauthorized ballot seizures.
Attorney General Rob Bonta will issue guidance to local election officials on handling law-enforcement requests under the new law.

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