Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of 13 bills on Saturday aimed at strengthening California's election protections.

The legislation includes measures making it a felony to seize ballots, election records, or certified voting technology before results are certified. Another provision creates felony penalties for individuals in authority who direct subordinates to interfere with the delivery or return of mail ballots.

Additional bills require counties to open ballot drop-off locations 30 days before an election, two days earlier than the prior standard. Counties may also expand no-electioneering zones up to 200 feet from polling sites. The package prohibits arrests within 200 feet of polling places on Election Day except for specific disruptions or crimes against persons or property.

Elections officials must notify the attorney general and secretary of state immediately upon learning of warrants, subpoenas, or investigations involving election records or equipment. The bills take effect immediately in several cases to apply to the Nov. 3 midterms.

Newsom signed the measures at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. The action builds on earlier legislation, including Senate Bill 73 signed in May, which addressed unauthorized access to voting systems and ballot chain of custody.

Democratic leaders described the package as a response to concerns over potential federal or local law enforcement actions at polling sites and in mail ballot processes. Previous incidents, such as a Riverside County sheriff's office taking possession of ballots in a 2025 special election, factored into the debate.

The bills also include updates to the California Voting Rights Act expanding language assistance and protections against voter suppression. Separate provisions require greater transparency from paid social media influencers in political campaigns.

Republicans have criticized similar efforts as unnecessary expansions of state authority in response to unproven threats. The legislation comes amid ongoing national debates over election administration and mail voting rules.