CBS News Sacramento - Newsom signs bill restricting law enforcement access to California ballots

By Cecilio Padilla, Steve Large, Brandon Downs
Updated May 27, 2026; 5:43 PM 
 

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Wednesday aimed at tightening California's election security rules ahead of the June 2 statewide primary.

Senate Bill 73 takes effect immediately. It limits when law enforcement can access ballots, voter lists, rosters or certified voting technology.

The bill comes after Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco seized more than 650,000 ballots from last fall's Proposition 50 Special Election. The investigation was later halted amid legal challenges from California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Link to full article - Newsom signs bill restricting law enforcement access to California ballots - CBS Sacramento