Governor Gavin Newsom announced September 12 that he has signed AB 1879 (Gipson), which streamlines local property tax filing by authorizing a taxpayer to sign State Board of Equalization documents using an electronic signature if specified conditions are met.
The new law also requires county assessors to accept BOE documents signed via electronic signature and authenticated by methods adopted by the BOE and assessors.
The sponsor of the bill, the California Assessors’ Association, said the legislation makes changes needed to ensure that property tax forms can be filed digitally.
“AB 1879 will reduce duplicative work with Assessors’ Offices and the need to track both electronic and paper files,” the association wrote in a letter to lawmakers. “Many Assessors across the state recognize the environmental need to reduce paper correspondence and many offices are moving towards digital government environment. … AB 1879 expands the ability for an Assessor to offer electronic submission on all State Board of Equalization forms. Current law only allows for property statements.”
AB 1879 was approved by both houses of the Legislature without any opposing votes.
The one bill vetoed by the governor this week was SB 1432 (Caballero), which sought to allow the Department of Health Care Access and Information to approve an extension for the seismic compliance deadline for healthcare facilities. In his veto message, Newsom opined on the danger of allowing hospitals to defer seismic retrofitting.
“All Californians depend on the hospitals in their communities for reliable, high-quality health care services and emergency response in times of need,” Newsom wrote. “While most hospitals have taken the necessary steps to prevent full collapse in the event of an earthquake, many still have not met the higher standard of guaranteeing the continued ability to provide services. … The question is not if California will experience a significant earthquake, it’s when.”