Addis' 'Protect Our Democracy Act' Passes Committee, Strengthening Constitutional Safeguards Against 3rd Terms

SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), announced that Assembly Bill 1539 (AB 1539), the Protect Our Democracy Act, has passed the Assembly Elections Committee today with bipartisan support, advancing efforts to strengthen constitutional protections and safeguard California's electoral system from unlawful presidential candidacies.

"I'm proud that AB 1539 just passed out of its first committee with bi-partisan support. My bill sends a clear message: California protects our elections," said Addis. "While the President postures for a third term - including selling "Rewrite the Rules" merchandise and refusing to say he will refrain from a third-term attempt, it is more urgent than ever that California act. AB 1539 is a clear, straightforward way to protect our democracy and make clear that we will not tolerate any erosion of the Constitution."

Sponsored by Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, AB 1539 enforces the Twenty-Second Amendment by making it a crime to attempt to place a constitutionally ineligible candidate for President or Vice President on the ballot. Ratified 75 years ago, the amendment limits presidents to two four-year terms, yet current law does not establish clear penalties for attempts to circumvent this restriction.

"California has always led the way in defending our democracy," said Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. "That is why I am proud to sponsor Assemblymember Addis' AB 1539 to ensure no one can circumvent the limits set by the Twenty-Second Amendment. As President Trump and his allies openly raise the prospect of a third term, this bill holds political parties accountable and protects the integrity of our elections. In California, attempts to subvert the Constitution will not be tolerated. I am proud to see AB 1539 advance through the Assembly Elections Committee."

AB 1539 now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Dawn Addis was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022 to represent the coastal 30th Assembly District, which includes San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties. She is the Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee 1 on Health.

CONTACT: Alexis Garcia-Arrazola, (831) 649-2832