Local Government Omnibus Act of 2025.

The California Senate Local Government Committee has introduced comprehensive legislation to modernize administrative procedures and enhance operational flexibility for local governments across the state. The Local Government Omnibus Act of 2025 updates document authentication requirements, expands investment options, and refines board vacancy procedures for municipal agencies.

The legislation authorizes county boards to accept electronic signatures on official documents alongside traditional facsimile signatures, eliminating the previous requirement for board resolutions to approve signature methods. Documents using either signature type now carry equal legal weight as personally signed materials when authenticated through trusted systems or in compliance with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

For local agency investments, the bill extends the maximum maturity period for prime quality commercial paper from 270 to 397 days, while maintaining existing investment caps and eligibility criteria. The measure also adds Kern County to jurisdictions authorized to appoint a registrar of voters, separating these duties from the county clerk's office. For municipal utility districts, appointed board members now serve until their elected successors both qualify and take office following the next general election scheduled at least 90 days after the vacancy occurs.

The legislation combines several targeted updates to local government operations into a single measure, reflecting the bill authors' stated goal of promoting efficient governance while reducing legislative volume. The provisions maintain existing oversight mechanisms and investment safeguards while providing agencies additional operational tools and clarifying administrative procedures.