Deployed men and women in the military who want the chance to run for public office, can now have someone else file papers on there behalf under a measure authored by Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego.
Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law on Tuesday.
Before the bill was signed into law, prospective candidates had to file papers personally.
"This legislation eases the burden on those willing to serve," said Fletcher, a former Marine. "Rather than impede an individual from running for elected office, we should encourage our military to serve in other ways, like public office."
The bill was inspired by Jeff Gorell, R-Camarillo, a California assembly member who in is the Navy reserves and is currently serving overseas.
Gorell is a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve. Fletcher's office says the new bill will allow his wife to file papers on his behalf.
