State Controller Malia M. Cohen Issues Statement on Signing of Senate Bill 280, Assembly Bill 604, and Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8

SACRAMENTO — Today, Controller Cohen issued the following statement in support of Governor Gavin Newsom signing SB 280, Assembly Bill 604, and passage of ACA 8.

“SB 280, AB 604, and ACA 8, consistent with California’s values, empowers Californians to respond to attacks on fair representation and to defend the sanctity of our electoral process through a special election that all Californians can participate in. This mechanism ensures that California’s actions are proactive, not reckless, while preserving electoral stability unless a genuine threat arises. I firmly believe in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions and ensuring the public remains at the center of all decisions that shape our state’s governance so that we can move California forward so that everyone thrives.”

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen independently oversees and manages California’s financial resources with integrity and transparency to build trust. The Controller is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Follow the Controller on X at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller’s Office.