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California bills · 2025-2026 Regular Session

California SB 85

Civil actions: service of summons.

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To Governor
  6. Became law

Sponsors

Summary

Official abstract published by the California legislature· summary

Existing law prescribes specified methods for the service of a summons in a civil action. Under existing law, if no provision is made in statute for the service of summons, a court may direct a summons to be served in a manner that is reasonably calculated to give actual notice to the party to be served. This bill would also authorize a court to direct a summons to be served in a manner that is reasonably calculated to give actual notice to the party to be served if a plaintiff, exercising reasonable diligence, has been unable to serve the summons using methods prescribed by statute. The bill would authorize a court, upon motion, to direct service of the summons by electronic means, if such service is reasonably calculated to give actual notice. The bill would require a plaintiff seeking to establish reasonable diligence under this section to set forth facts that detail, as specified, the attempts to effect service pursuant to the methods prescribed by statute. The bill would also except actions against public entities or agents or employees of public entities from these provisions.

Text versions

Roll-call votes

State vote data last updated Oct 16, 2026, 4:04 AM.

DateVoteResultYour legislators
Aug 25, 2025
Senate		Special ConsentpassSet your home in California to see
Jun 30, 2025
House		SB 85 Umberg Consent Calendar Second DaypassSet your home in California to see
Jun 24, 2025
House		Do pass as amended. To Consent Calendar.passSet your home in California to see
May 15, 2025
Senate		Consent Calendar 2ndpassSet your home in California to see
May 6, 2025
Senate		Do pass and be ordered to the Consent CalendarpassSet your home in California to see

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