Author seeks rules on paid signature gatherers and shorter recall timelines for judges

Sen. Reyes told the Assembly Elections Committee SB 13 69 "adopts reasonable, common sense reforms to our judicial recall process" and asked the panel to accept committee amendments that would require paid signature gatherers to orally disclose they are being compensated and shorten the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls in counties with more than 50,000 registered voters from 160 to 120 days.

Mike Bilotte, speaking on behalf of the California Judges Association, urged support and framed the bill as a response to a wave of recalls: "Right now, there are roughly 12 recalls pending in Orange County, 3 in the Inland Empire," he said, arguing that judges face unique vulnerabilities because they cannot campaign on their rulings. Sabina Tacker of the Consumer Attorneys of California aligned with the author and trade groups, saying the narrowed Senate amendments help "thread that needle of making sure the public has a voice, but while also trying to protect the independence of our judges." Cliff Costa added organizational support on behalf of the California Defense Counsel and Orange County Bar Association.

Committee members discussed the geographic diversity of California and the need for targeted amendments; Chair Pellerin said the author had accepted committee changes and that the item would be taken up for motion and vote when quorum procedures allowed. At the time the committee left the item it was being held "on call for our absent members," pending completion of a roll call.