Assembly passes bill to remove notarization requirement for trespass letters

The Assembly voted to pass AB 1632, sponsored by Assemblymember Johnson, which removes the notary requirement for Penal Code section 602 trespass letters used by property owners to authorize law enforcement action against trespassers.

"AB 16 32 makes one simple and common sense change, removing the notary requirement from trespass letters filed under penal code section 602," Assemblymember Johnson said, describing the measure as a tool to allow officers to intervene proactively when properties are at risk.

Assemblymember Gallagher asked whether eliminating notarization could invite fraud and suggested a bank medallion guarantee as a potential safeguard. Johnson responded that the author would address concerns in closing remarks and that the bill had bipartisan support and several municipal sponsors.

Proponents emphasized the law's practical effects — that lapses in notarized letters can prevent proactive law enforcement responses, contributing to hazards including structural and wildfire risk. The Assembly recorded Ayes 58, No 0 on the bill.

What the bill does: AB 1632 removes the notarization requirement for the annual 602 trespass letter so property owners can more easily maintain protections that allow law enforcement to address unauthorized occupants of vacant property.

Next steps: The bill passed the Assembly; further committee or administrative implementation details were not specified on the floor.