The California Legislature today approved AB 64, which restores the ability for Californians to include diacritical marks – including accents, tildes and umlauts – on vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.
- Alina Evans
- Communications Director
- (916) 319-2064
- Alina.Evans@asm.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Legislature today approved AB 64, which restores the ability for Californians to include diacritical marks – including accents, tildes and umlauts – on vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates. The Name Accuracy Act now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature.
"After nearly four decades, Californians are on the verge of being able to have their names recorded accurately on their most important documents," said Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey). “When we refuse to record people’s names correctly, we send the message that their identity doesn’t matter.”
“Our names represent our culture, our family, and our dignity,” added Pacheco. “California should be in the business of affirming identity and belonging – not erasing it.”
AB 64 marks the culmination of a multi-year effort. Assemblywoman Pacheco carried earlier versions of the measure in 2023 and 2024, which did not pass out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
“This is my third year carrying this bill, and I’m thrilled to be this close to the finish line,” she said.
Excluding diacritical marks began in 1986 with a policy developed by the Department of Health that banned the marks after voters adopted a constitutional amendment that declared English as the state’s official language.
Many states, including Texas, Illinois, Kansas, Hawaii, North Carolina, Oregon, Alaska, Utah, Arkansas, Delaware, and Maryland show respect for cultural identity by including diacritical marks on vital records. Assemblywoman Pacheco says that California, as the most populous and diverse state in the nation, should be a leader among the states on that list.
To schedule an interview with Assemblywoman Pacheco, contact Alina Evans at alina.evans@asm.ca.gov.
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Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco represents the 64th Assembly District, encompassing parts of southwestern Los Angeles County and northern Orange County. The 64th District includes all or parts of the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Downey, East and South Whittier, La Habra, La Mirada, Norwalk, and Santa Fe Springs. Assemblywoman Pacheco is an attorney and the former mayor of Downey. She resides in Downey with her Miniature Schnauzer, Reina.