Signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill simplifying the surname change process when a person marries or enters a registered domestic partnership.

Highlights:

-Prohibits discrimination based upon chosen surname, and prohibits discrimination against men on the basis of marital status (Section 2). -Requires the Secretary of State to provide space on the Declaration of Domestic Partnership to allow the parties to indicate a change in surname (Section 4). -Requires that the Certificate of Registered Domestic Partnership (CRDP) displays the names used by the parties before and after registration (Section 5). -Provides that no party to a registered domestic partnership shall be required to change his or her surname (Section 6). -Provides that, upon registration of a domestic partnership, one or both parties may change their surname to one of their choosing (Section 6). -Provides that the CRDP shall serve as evidence of the new surname (Section 6). -Provides that no party to a marriage shall be required to change his or her surname (Section 7). -Provides that, upon marriage, one or both parties may change their surname to one of their choosing (Section 7). -Provides that the marriage license shall serve as evidence of the new surname (Section 7). -Requires the State Department of Public Health to make information on surname changes (Section 9).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill simplifying the surname change process when a person marries or enters a registered domestic partnership.

Full Bill Text