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Committee approves bill to allow diacritical marks on California vital records
Summary
AB 64 would permit accents and other diacritical marks on birth, death and marriage records; backers said the change restores dignity and correct cultural spelling that was removed after 1986 and that other states already allow such marks.
The Assembly Health Committee on March 25 approved AB 64, a bill by Assemblymember Pacheco that would allow diacritical marks—accents, umlauts, cedillas and similar characters—on California vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses.
Pacheco told the committee the change is about dignity and identity for Californians whose names include diacritical marks. He noted that other states—including Oregon and several others—allow such marks and that California previously permitted them until Proposition 63 (1986) established English as the state’s official language and the practice was discontinued.
Two witnesses described personal experiences. Martin Devlin recounted using an Irish Gaelic name for his son and said he was “absolutely shocked” when staff informed him the name could not be spelled with its diacritical mark on the birth certificate. Jose Escobedo, who testified that he first advocated for this change as a 12‑year‑old and is now 20, said allowing accents is a matter of cultural respect and inclusion.
The committee recorded the motion to refer AB 64 to appropriations. Supporters said the bill restores an option for residents to record names accurately and respectfully; no opposition witnesses were recorded in the hearing.
Discussion versus action: Committee members expressed long‑standing support; amendments intended to improve feasibility were discussed and the measure was referred to appropriations.
