California Sends Politician Memecoin Ban to Governor Newsom

California’s Senate passed AB 2409, the Digital Assets: Meme Coins bill, 40-0 on Aug. 26, and the Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments by 78-0, sending the measure to Governor Gavin Newsom. The votes put a proposed ban on public officers and certain public employees issuing meme coins before the governor after unanimous approval in both chambers.

AB 2409 clears California chambers

The legislative action was recorded in the bill’s official history, which shows the Senate approval and the Assembly’s concurrence on the same day. Following those votes, AB 2409 entered engrossing and enrolling, the legislative processing stage reflected in the state record.

That status follows the Legislature’s approval of the measure as amended by the Senate. Newsom is now the next decision-maker named in the bill’s path, with the proposal awaiting his action.

The bill’s passage is notable for the absence of recorded opposition in either chamber: all 40 senators voted in favour, while the Assembly concurrence vote was 78-0. The official record does not itself indicate what action the governor will take.

Illustration accompanying coverage of California’s politician-linked memecoin restrictions. — Source: Cointelegraph

Issuance and listing restrictions

AB 2409 would prohibit public officers and specified public employees from issuing meme coins, according to the version published by California Legislative Information. It would also bar digital-asset service providers from listing qualifying politician-linked meme coins for California residents when those coins were issued on or after Jan. 1, 2027.

The listing restriction is tied to that issuance threshold rather than every existing token described as politician-linked. AB 2409 remains a proposed law before Governor Gavin Newsom, and its restrictions would take effect only if the bill completes the legislative process and becomes law.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.