CA AB2791

Requires marshals and sheriffs to accept electronic signatures and prohibits requiring original or wet signatures on documents requesting service of process or court notices.

Mandates the Judicial Council create a statewide form by January 1, 2024 for litigants to request service of process, which must allow electronic signatures and include required fields for defendant information.

Requires marshals and sheriffs to accept email, fax, or in-person delivery of service documents from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2026 for fee-waiver cases, with no charge for electronic transmission; extends this requirement to all cases starting January 1, 2026 with permissible fees limited to actual processing costs.

Prohibits marshals and sheriffs from reviewing the substance of notices except to verify the Judicial Council form is present and complete, a case number appears, and court orders bear judicial signature with matching defendant information.

Exempts Judicial Council service request forms and contained information from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act to protect litigant privacy and safety.