CA SB838

Authorizes corporations and social purpose corporations without securities listed on major exchanges (NYSE, NYSE Amex, NASDAQ Global Market, or NASDAQ Capital Market) to use blockchain technology to record and maintain stockholder records, including shareholder names, addresses, share counts, and stock issuances and transfers.

Requires that blockchain records meet specific standards: encrypted information must be decryptable into readable format within a reasonable timeframe, records must enable preparation of shareholder lists, and records must support stock certificate information and transfer recording.

Defines "blockchain technology" as a mathematically secured, chronological, and decentralized consensus ledger or database.

Applies this authorization temporarily, from the effective date through January 1, 2022, after which it is repealed and replaced with identical permanent language taking effect on January 1, 2022.

Makes identical amendments to both Section 204 (for regular corporations) and Section 2603 (for social purpose corporations) of the Corporations Code.