text: The contribution limits of this chapter apply to special elections and apply to special runoff elections. A special election and a special runoff election are separate elections for purposes of the contribution and voluntary expenditure limits set forth in this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, Sec. 53. Approved in Proposition 34 at the November 7, 2000, election. Operative January 1, 2001, by Sec. 83 of Ch. 102, but not applicable to candidates for statewide elective office until November 6, 2002.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Contribution Limitations


kind: section

code: GOV

text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an elected state, county, or city officer may establish a committee to oppose the qualification of a recall measure, and the recall election. This committee may be established when the elected state, county, or city officer receives a notice of intent to recall pursuant to Section 11021 of the Elections Code. An elected state, county, or city officer may accept campaign contributions to oppose the qualification of a recall measure, and if qualification is successful, the recall election, without regard to the campaign contribution limits set forth in this chapter. The voluntary expenditure limits do not apply to expenditures made to oppose the qualification of a recall measure or to oppose the recall election.

(b) After the failure of a recall petition or after the recall election, the committee formed by the elected state, county, or city officer shall wind down its activities and dissolve. Any remaining funds shall be treated as surplus funds and shall be expended within 30 days after the failure of the recall petition or after the recall election for a purpose specified in subdivision (b) of Section 89519.

(c) This section does not apply in a jurisdiction in which the county or city imposes a limit on contributions pursuant to Section 85702.5.

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2021.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 11) and added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 556, Sec. 12. (AB 571) Effective January 1, 2020. Section operative January 1, 2021, by its own provisions.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

chapter: 5. Limitations on Contributions

article: 3. Contribution Limitations

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 5. Limitations on Contributions > 3. Contribution Limitations


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a contribution for an election may be accepted by a candidate for elective state, county, or city office after the date of the election only to the extent that the contribution does not exceed net debts outstanding from the election, and the contribution does not otherwise exceed the applicable contribution limit for that election.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), an elected state officer may accept contributions after the date of the election for the purpose of paying expenses associated with holding the office provided that the contributions are not expended for any contribution to any state or local committee. Contributions received pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited into a bank account established solely for the purposes specified in this subdivision.

(1) A person shall not make, and an elected state officer shall not receive from a person, a contribution pursuant to this subdivision totaling more than the following amounts per calendar year:

(A) Three thousand dollars ($3,000) in the case of an elected state officer of the Assembly or Senate.

(B) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) in the case of a statewide elected state officer other than the Governor.

(C) Twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) in the case of the Governor.

(2) An elected state officer shall not receive contributions pursuant to paragraph (1) that, in the aggregate, total more than the following amounts per calendar year:

(A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in the case of an elected state officer of the Assembly or Senate.

(B) One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in the case of a statewide elected state officer other than the Governor.

(C) Two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) in the case of the Governor.

(3) Any contribution received pursuant to this subdivision shall be deemed to be a contribution to that candidate for election to any state office that the candidate may seek during the term of office to which the candidate is currently elected, including, but not limited to, reelection to the office the candidate currently holds, and shall be subject to any applicable contribution limit provided in this title. If a contribution received pursuant to this subdivision exceeds the allowable contribution limit for the office sought, the candidate shall return the amount exceeding the limit to the contributor on a basis to be determined by the Commission. The expenditures made by elected state officers pursuant to this subdivision shall not be subject to the voluntary expenditure limitations in Section 85400.

(4) The Commission shall adjust the calendar year contribution limitations and aggregate contribution limitations set forth in this subdivision in January of every odd-numbered year to reflect any increase or decrease in the Consumer Price Index. Those adjustments shall be rounded to the nearest one hundred dollars ($100).

(c) This section does not apply in a jurisdiction in which the county or city imposes a limit on contributions pursuant to Section 85702.5.

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2021.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 13) and added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 556, Sec. 14. (AB 571) Effective January 1, 2020. Section operative January 1, 2021, by its own provisions.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Contribution Limitations


text:
(a) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 85306, a candidate for elective state, county, or city office may carry over contributions raised in connection with one election for elective state, county, or city office to pay campaign expenditures incurred in connection with any subsequent election for the same elective state, county, or city office.

(b) If a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for an office at a primary election, so that the candidate is elected to the office without advancing to the general election, both of the following apply:

(1) The remaining campaign funds raised for the primary election may be carried over to a committee for any subsequent election to the same office without attributing funds to specific contributors.

(2) Funds raised for the general election may be transferred to a committee for any subsequent election, but shall be attributed to specific contributors as provided in Section 85306.

(c) This section does not apply in a jurisdiction in which the county or city imposes a limit on contributions pursuant to Section 85702.5.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 125, Sec. 1. (SB 948) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Contribution Limitations


text:
(a) (1) A candidate for elective state, county, or city office may raise contributions for a general election before the primary election, and for a special general election before a special primary election, for the same elective state, county, or city office if the candidate sets aside these contributions and uses these contributions for the general election or special general election. If the candidate for elective state, county, or city office is defeated in the primary election or special primary election, or otherwise withdraws from the general election or special general election, the general election or special general election funds shall be refunded to the contributors on a pro rata basis less any expenses associated with the raising and administration of general election or special general election contributions.

(2) A candidate whose name has not been listed on the ballot at a primary election or special primary election, and who has not qualified to have write-in votes cast on their behalf counted by elections officials for nomination or election to an elective office at a primary election or special primary election is not “defeated in the primary election or special primary election” and does not “otherwise withdraw from the general election or special general election” for the purposes of paragraph (1), and shall not be required to refund contributions pursuant to that paragraph. A candidate whose name has not been listed on the ballot at a primary election or special primary election, and who has not qualified to have write-in votes cast on their behalf counted by elections officials for nomination or election to an elective office at a primary election or special primary election, may transfer funds to a committee established for the same or a different office subject to the attribution rules provided by subdivision (a) of Section 85306.

(3) Notwithstanding Section 85201, candidates for elective state, county, or city office may establish separate campaign contribution accounts for the primary and general elections or special primary and special general elections.

(b) This section does not apply in a jurisdiction in which the county or city imposes a limit on contributions pursuant to Section 85702.5.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 6. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Contribution Limitations


text: A candidate for state elective office may return all or part of any contribution to the donor who made the contribution at any time, whether or not other contributions are returned, except a contribution that the candidate for state elective office made to that candidate’s own controlled committee.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 174. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Contribution Limitations


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a committee that receives a contribution, or a portion thereof, that exceeds a contribution limit set forth in Section 85301, 85302, 85303, or 85316, may return the contribution, or a portion thereof, that exceeds the limit, or may attribute the portion of the contribution that exceeds the limit to another election in accordance with subdivision (d), without violating the applicable contribution limit, provided that the following conditions are met:

(1) The amount in excess of the contribution is returned or attributed within 14 days of receiving the contribution.

(2) The committee does not deposit or allow deposit of the contribution with actual knowledge that the contribution exceeds the applicable limit.

(3) The committee does not make use of the contribution prior to returning or attributing it.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) or any other law, a committee that receives a monetary contribution, or a portion thereof, that exceeds a contribution limit set forth in Section 85301, 85302, 85303, or 85316, and that deposits or allows deposit of the contribution with actual knowledge that the contribution exceeds the applicable limit, may return the contribution, or a portion thereof, that exceeds the limit, or may attribute the portion that exceeds the limit to another election in accordance with subdivision (d), without violating the applicable contribution limit, provided that the following conditions are met:

(1) The amount in excess of the contribution limit is returned or attributed within 72 hours of receipt, or is returned or attributed on or before the date of the election, whichever is sooner.

(2) The committee does not make use of the contribution prior to returning or attributing it.

(3) The committee does not deposit or allow deposit of the contribution with actual knowledge that the contribution is more than two times the applicable limit.

(c) By or before the applicable deadline for returning or attributing the contribution, or excess portion thereof, in subdivision (a) or (b), a committee that receives a contribution that exceeds a contribution limit set forth in Section 85301, 85302, 85303, or 85316 shall inform the contributor that their contribution was in excess of the applicable limit. If the contribution was attributed pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d), the committee shall also inform the contributor that the contribution was attributed and that the contributor may request a refund.

(d) (1) A committee may, in accordance with any regulations adopted by the commission, request that the contributor attribute in writing a contribution to a different election.

(2) A committee may, in accordance with any regulations adopted by the commission, automatically attribute the portion of a contribution that is in excess of the applicable limit between the primary and general elections.

(e) For the purposes of this section, a committee makes use of a monetary contribution if, after receiving the contribution, it makes expenditures exceeding what the committee’s available cash balance would have been if the committee had not received the contribution and any other contributions that exceed the applicable contribution limit.

(f) For purposes of this section, a committee attributes a contribution when the committee designates the portion of the contribution in excess of the applicable limit to another election.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 816, Sec. 1. (SB 794) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Contribution Limitations


text:
(a) A foreign government, foreign principal, or foreign national shall not make, directly or through any other person, a contribution, expenditure, or independent expenditure in connection with the qualification or support of, or opposition to, any state or local ballot measure or in connection with the election of a candidate to state or local office.

(b) A person or a committee shall not solicit or accept a contribution from a foreign government, foreign principal, or foreign national in connection with the qualification or support of, or opposition to, any state or local ballot measure or in connection with the election of a candidate to state or local office.

(c) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) (A) “Foreign national” means a person who is not a citizen of the United States and who is not a lawfully admitted permanent resident.

(B) “Foreign national” does not include a person who has been granted deferred action, and whose deferred action has not expired, under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, as described in guidelines issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

(2) “Foreign principal” includes any of the following:

(A) A foreign political party.

(B) A person outside the United States, unless either of the following is established:

(i) The person is an individual and a citizen of the United States.

(ii) The person is not an individual and is organized under or created by the laws of the United States or of any state or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and has its principal place of business within the United States.

(C) A partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons organized under the laws of or having its principal place of business in a foreign country.

(D) A domestic subsidiary of a foreign corporation if the decision to contribute or expend funds is made by an officer, director, or management employee of the foreign corporation who is neither a citizen of the United States nor a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States.

(d) This section shall not prohibit a contribution, expenditure, or independent expenditure made by a lawfully admitted permanent resident.

(e) Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined an amount equal to the amount contributed or expended.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 170, Sec. 2. (AB 953) Effective January 1, 2026. Note: Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, Sec. 83 (as amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 241) makes most provisions of Article 3 inapplicable to candidates for statewide elective office until November 6, 2002.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Contribution Limitations


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if a candidate for elective state office or the candidate’s controlled committee had net debts resulting from an election held prior to January 1, 2001, contributions to that candidate or committee for that election are not subject to the limits of Sections 85301 and 85302.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 241, Sec. 10. Effective September 4, 2001. Note: Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, Sec. 83 (as amended by Sec. 18 of Ch. 241) makes most provisions of Article 3 inapplicable to candidates for statewide elective office until November 6, 2002.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Contribution Limitations


text:
(a) A candidate for elective state office, other than the Board of Administration of the Public Employees’ Retirement System, who voluntarily accepts expenditure limits shall not make campaign expenditures in excess of the following:

(1) For an Assembly candidate, four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) in the primary or special primary election and seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) in the general or special general election.

(2) For a Senate candidate, six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000) in the primary or special primary election and nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000) in the general or special general election.

(3) For a candidate for the State Board of Equalization, one million dollars ($1,000,000) in the primary election and one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) in the general election.

(4) For a statewide candidate other than a candidate for Governor or the State Board of Equalization, four million dollars ($4,000,000) in the primary election and six million dollars ($6,000,000) in the general election.

(5) For a candidate for Governor, six million dollars ($6,000,000) in the primary election and ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in the general election.

(b) For purposes of this section, “campaign expenditures” has the same meaning as “election-related activities” as defined in Section 82022.5, except that it does not include preparing campaign finance disclosure statements.

(c) A campaign expenditure made by a political party on behalf of a candidate shall not be attributed to the limitations on campaign expenditures set forth in this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 97, Sec. 5. (AB 2001) Effective January 1, 2025. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Voluntary Expenditure Ceilings

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 5. Limitations on Contributions > 4. Voluntary Expenditure Ceilings


text:
(a) A candidate for elective state office, other than the Board of Administration of the Public Employees’ Retirement System, who voluntarily accepts expenditure limits shall not make campaign expenditures in excess of the following:

(1) For an Assembly candidate, four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) in the primary or special primary election and seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) in the general or special general election.

(2) For a Senate candidate, six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000) in the primary or special primary election and nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000) in the general or special general election.

(3) For a candidate for the State Board of Equalization, one million dollars ($1,000,000) in the primary election and one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) in the general election.

(4) For a statewide candidate other than a candidate for Governor or the State Board of Equalization, four million dollars ($4,000,000) in the primary election and six million dollars ($6,000,000) in the general election.

(5) For a candidate for Governor, six million dollars ($6,000,000) in the primary election and ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in the general election.

(b) For purposes of this section, “campaign expenditures” has the same meaning as “election-related activities” as defined in Section 82022.5, except that it does not include preparing campaign finance disclosure reports.

(c) A campaign expenditure made by a political party on behalf of a candidate shall not be attributed to the limitations on campaign expenditures set forth in this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 60. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Voluntary Expenditure Ceilings


text:
(a) Each candidate for elective state office shall file a statement of acceptance or rejection of the voluntary expenditure limits set forth in Section 85400 at the time the candidate files the statement of intention specified in Section 85200.

(b) A candidate may, until the deadline for filing nomination papers set forth in Section 8020 of the Elections Code, change the candidate’s statement of acceptance or rejection of voluntary expenditure limits provided the candidate has not exceeded the voluntary expenditure limits. A candidate shall not change the candidate’s statement of acceptance or rejection of voluntary expenditure limits more than twice after the candidate’s initial filing of the statement of intention for that election and office.

(c) Any candidate for elective state office who declined to accept the voluntary expenditure limits but who nevertheless does not exceed the limits in the primary, special primary, or special election, may file a statement of acceptance of the expenditure limits for a general or special runoff election within 14 days following the primary, special primary, or special election.

(d) Notwithstanding Section 81004.5 or any other provision of this title, a candidate shall not change the candidate’s statement of acceptance or rejection of voluntary expenditure limits other than as provided for by this section and Section 85402.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 175. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Voluntary Expenditure Ceilings


text:
(a) Any candidate for elective state office who has filed a statement accepting the voluntary expenditure limits is not bound by those limits if an opposing candidate contributes personal funds to the opposing candidate’s own campaign in excess of the limits set forth in Section 85400.

(b) The commission shall require by regulation timely notification by candidates for elective state office who make personal contributions to their own campaign.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 176. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Voluntary Expenditure Ceilings


text: Any candidate who files a statement of acceptance pursuant to Section 85401 and makes campaign expenditures in excess of the limits shall be subject to the remedies in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 83100) and Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 91000).

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, Sec. 60. Approved in Proposition 34 at the November 7, 2000, election. Operative January 1, 2001, by Sec. 83 of Ch. 102, but not applicable to candidates for statewide elective office until November 6, 2002.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Voluntary Expenditure Ceilings


text:
(a) In addition to any other report required by this title, a committee, including a political party committee, that is required to file reports pursuant to Section 84605 and that makes independent expenditures of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more during an election cycle in connection with a candidate for elective state office or state ballot measure, shall file online or electronically a report with the Secretary of State disclosing the making of the independent expenditure. This report shall disclose the same information required by subdivision (b) of Section 84204 and shall be filed within 24 hours of the time the independent expenditure is made.

(b) An expenditure may not be considered independent, and shall be treated as a contribution from the person making the expenditure to the candidate on whose behalf, or for whose benefit, the expenditure is made, if the expenditure is made under any of the following circumstances:

(1) The expenditure is made with the cooperation of, or in consultation with, the candidate on whose behalf, or for whose benefit, the expenditure is made, or any controlled committee or any agent of the candidate.

(2) The expenditure is made in concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, the candidate on whose behalf, or for whose benefit, the expenditure is made, or any controlled committee or any agent of the candidate.

(3) The expenditure is made under any arrangement, coordination, or direction with respect to the candidate or the candidate’s agent and the person making the expenditure.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 241, Sec. 12. Effective September 4, 2001. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 5. Independent Expenditures

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 5. Limitations on Contributions > 5. Independent Expenditures


text: A controlled committee of a candidate may not make independent expenditures and may not contribute funds to another committee for the purpose of making independent expenditures to support or oppose other candidates.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 241, Sec. 13. Effective September 4, 2001. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 5. Independent Expenditures


text:
(a) The Secretary of State shall include on the Internet Web site of the Secretary of State’s office, as part of the campaign finance activity that is publicly disclosed, any independent expenditure, as defined in Section 82031, that is reported pursuant to Section 85500 with respect to a candidate for elective state office and a statewide ballot measure. This information shall be linked to the part of the Web site that the Secretary of State maintains concerning that candidate or ballot measure.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that all forms created for the purpose of filing the online or electronic report required pursuant to Section 85500 include a separate field for the filer to input the legislative district number and the number or letter of a statewide ballot measure.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 511, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 5. Independent Expenditures


text:
(a) The Secretary of State shall include on its internet website, as part of the campaign finance activity that is publicly disclosed, any independent expenditure, as defined in Section 82031, that is reported pursuant to Section 85500 with respect to a candidate for elective state office and a statewide ballot measure. This information shall be linked to the part of the website that the Secretary of State maintains concerning that candidate or ballot measure.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that a report required pursuant to Section 85500 include a separate field for the filer to input the legislative district number and the number or letter of a statewide ballot measure.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 61. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 5. Independent Expenditures


text: The Secretary of State shall designate in the state voter information guide those candidates for statewide elective office, as defined in Section 82053, who have voluntarily agreed to the expenditure limitations set forth in Section 85400. Local elections officers shall designate in the county voter information guide those candidates for State Senate and Assembly who have voluntarily agreed to the expenditure limitations set forth in Section 85400.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 7. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 6. Ballot Pamphlet

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 5. Limitations on Contributions > 6. Ballot Pamphlet


text:
(a) A candidate for statewide elective office, as defined in Section 82053, who accepts the voluntary expenditure limits set forth in Section 85400 may purchase the space to place a statement in the state voter information guide that does not exceed 250 words. The statement may not make any reference to any opponent of the candidate. The statement shall be submitted in accordance with timeframes and procedures set forth by the Secretary of State for the preparation of the state voter information guide.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (e) of Section 88001 of this code or subdivision (e) of Section 9084 of the Elections Code, the Secretary of State may not include in the state voter information guide a statement from a candidate who has not voluntarily agreed to the expenditure limitations set forth in Section 85400.

(c) A candidate for State Senate or Assembly who accepts the voluntary expenditure limits set forth in Section 85400 may purchase the space to place a statement in the county voter information guide that does not exceed 250 words. The statement may not make any reference to any opponent of the candidate. The statement shall be submitted in accordance with the timeframes and procedures set forth in the Elections Code for the preparation of the county voter information guide.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 8. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 6. Ballot Pamphlet


text:
(a) A candidate or committee shall return not later than 60 days of receipt by the candidate or committee any contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more for which the candidate or committee does not have on file in the records of the candidate or committee the name, address, occupation, and employer of the contributor.

(b) A candidate or committee may return a contribution pursuant to subdivision (a) after the date that the candidate or committee has reported the contribution under any provision of this title.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 241, Sec. 16. Effective September 4, 2001. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 7. Additional Contribution Requirements

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 5. Limitations on Contributions > 7. Additional Contribution Requirements


text: Any candidate or committee that receives a contribution in violation of Section 84301 shall pay to the General Fund of the state the amount of the contribution.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, Sec. 66. Approved in Proposition 34 at the November 7, 2000, election. Operative January 1, 2001, by Sec. 83 of Ch. 102, as amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 241, Sec. 18.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 7. Additional Contribution Requirements


text:
(a) (1) A solicitation by a candidate or committee, directly or through an agent or intermediary, for a recurring contribution shall be in a form that requires affirmative consent from the person making the recurring contribution.

(2) A candidate or committee shall not accept a recurring contribution from a person unless the candidate or committee receives the affirmative consent of the person to make a recurring contribution at the time of the initial contribution.

(3) Passive action by the contributor, such as failing to uncheck a pre-checked box authorizing a recurring contribution, does not meet the requirement of affirmative consent under this subdivision.

(4) (A) A violation of this subdivision occurs each time a candidate or committee solicits a recurring contribution in a form that does not require affirmative consent or accepts an initial recurring contribution in response to a solicitation that was in a form that did not require affirmative consent from the contributor.

(B) A candidate or committee that accepts recurring contributions subsequent to an initial recurring contribution in response to a solicitation that was in a form that did not require affirmative consent from the contributor is liable for a fine not to exceed three times the aggregate amount of the subsequent recurring contributions received if all of the following are true:

(i) The candidate or committee knew or should have known that the solicitation required affirmative consent.

(ii) The candidate or committee knew or should have known that the contributor did not give affirmative consent for making the recurring contributions.

(iii) The recurring contributions, in the aggregate, exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(b) A candidate or committee that accepts a recurring contribution described in subdivision (a) shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide a receipt to the contributor that clearly and conspicuously discloses all terms of the recurring contribution within three days after the initial contribution is received and within three days after each recurring contribution is received.

(2) Provide all necessary information to cancel the recurring contribution in each communication with the contributor that concerns the contribution.

(3) Immediately cancel a recurring contribution upon request of the contributor.

(c) A recurring contribution accepted in response to a solicitation that did not require affirmative consent shall be returned to the contributor within 14 days of the earlier of receipt of a request from the contributor to return the contribution or the date on which the candidate or committee becomes aware that the solicitation of the recurring contribution was in violation of subdivision (a). A contribution accepted after a contributor requested to cancel a recurring contribution shall be returned to the contributor within 14 days of the request to cancel the recurring contribution.

(d) This section does not apply to a sponsored committee soliciting or accepting contributions from the sponsor’s members, affiliates, employees, or shareholders.

(e) For purposes of this section, “recurring contribution” means a contribution from a person to a candidate or committee that is automatically charged to the person’s bank account, credit card, or other payment account on a repeated basis, such as weekly or monthly, without approval or any other affirmative consent by the person after their initial contribution to the candidate or committee.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 942, Sec. 1. (AB 775) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 7. Additional Contribution Requirements


text: An elected state officer or candidate for elected state office may not accept a contribution from a lobbyist, and a lobbyist may not make a contribution to an elected state officer or candidate for elected state office, if that lobbyist is registered to lobby the governmental agency for which the candidate is seeking election or the governmental agency of the elected state officer.

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 7. Additional Contribution Requirements


text:
(a) A county or city may, by ordinance or resolution, impose a limit on contributions to a candidate for elective county or city office that is different from the limit set forth in subdivision (d) of Section 85301. The limitation may also be imposed by means of a county or city initiative measure.

(b) A county or city that establishes a contribution limit pursuant to subdivision (a) may adopt enforcement standards for a violation of that limit, which may include administrative, civil, or criminal penalties.

(c) The Commission is not responsible for the administration or enforcement of a contribution limit adopted pursuant to subdivision (a).

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2021. A county or city’s limit on contributions to a candidate for elective county or city office that is in effect on the operative date of this section shall be deemed to be a limit imposed pursuant to subdivision (a).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 556, Sec. 19. (AB 571) Effective January 1, 2020. Section operative January 1, 2021, by its own provisions.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 7. Additional Contribution Requirements


text:
(a) This act does not nullify contribution limitations or prohibitions of any local jurisdiction that apply to elections for local elective office, except that these limitations and prohibitions shall not conflict with Section 85312. However, a local jurisdiction shall not impose any contribution limitations or prohibitions on an elected member of, or a candidate for election to, a county central committee of a qualified political party, or on a committee primarily formed to support or oppose a person seeking election to a county central committee of a qualified political party.

(b) Limitations and prohibitions imposed by a local jurisdiction on payments for a member communication, as defined in subdivision (c), that conflict with Section 85312 and which are thereby prohibited by subdivision (a) include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

(1) Source restrictions on payments for member communications that are not expressly made applicable to member communications by a state statute or by a regulation adopted by the Commission pursuant to Section 83112.

(2) Limitations on payments to a political party committee for a member communication that are not expressly made applicable to member communications by a state statute or by a regulation adopted by the Commission pursuant to Section 83112.

(3) Limitations on the scope of payments considered directly related to the making of a member communication, including costs associated with the formulation, design, production, and distribution of the communication such as surveys, list acquisition, and consulting fees that are not expressly made applicable to member communications by a state statute or by a regulation adopted by the Commission pursuant to Section 83112.

(c) For purposes of this section, “member communication” means a communication, within the meaning of Section 85312, to members, employees, shareholders, or families of members, employees, or shareholders of an organization, including a communication by a political party to a member who is registered as expressing a preference for that party on that member’s affidavit of registration pursuant to Sections 2150, 2151, and 2152 of the Elections Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 177. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 7. Additional Contribution Requirements


text:
(a) A person shall not make any contribution to a committee or candidate that is earmarked for a contribution to any other particular committee, ballot measure, or candidate unless the contribution is fully disclosed pursuant to Section 84302.

(b) For purposes of subdivision (a), a contribution is earmarked if the contribution is made under any of the following circumstances:

(1) The committee or candidate receiving the contribution solicited the contribution for the purpose of making a contribution to another specifically identified committee, ballot measure, or candidate, requested the contributor to expressly consent to such use, and the contributor consents to such use.

(2) The contribution was made subject to a condition or agreement with the contributor that all or a portion of the contribution would be used to make a contribution to another specifically identified committee, ballot measure, or candidate.

(3) After the contribution was made, the contributor and the committee or candidate receiving the contribution reached a subsequent agreement that all or a portion of the contribution would be used to make a contribution to another specifically identified committee, ballot measure, or candidate.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), dues, assessments, fees, and similar payments made to a membership organization or its sponsored committee in an amount less than five hundred dollars ($500) per calendar year from a single source for the purpose of making contributions or expenditures shall not be considered earmarked.

(d) The committee making the earmarked contribution shall provide the committee receiving the earmarked contribution with the name, address, occupation, and employer, if any, or principal place of business, if self-employed, of the contributor or contributors who earmarked their funds and the amount of the earmarked contribution from each contributor at the time it makes the contribution. If the committee making the contribution received earmarked contributions that exceed the amount contributed, or received contributions that were not earmarked, the committee making the contribution shall use a reasonable accounting method to determine which contributors to identify pursuant to this subdivision, but in no case shall the same contribution be disclosed more than one time to avoid disclosure of additional contributors who earmarked their funds.

(e) Earmarked contributions shall be disclosed on reports required by Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 84100) as follows:

(1) A contributor who qualifies as a committee pursuant to Section 82013 and who makes a contribution to a committee but earmarks the funds to another specifically identified committee pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b) shall disclose the specifically identified committee as the recipient of the contribution and the other committee as an intermediary at the time the earmarked contribution is made. The specifically identified committee shall disclose the contributor and intermediary at the time the funds are received from the intermediary. The intermediary committee shall disclose receipt of the funds as a miscellaneous increase to cash at the time the funds are received and shall disclose the expenditure as the transfer of an earmarked contribution from the contributor to the specifically identified committee at the time the funds are transferred to the specifically identified committee.

(2) A contributor who qualifies as a committee pursuant to Section 82013 and who makes a contribution to a committee and subsequently earmarks the funds pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall include a notation on the contributor’s next statement that the original contribution was subsequently earmarked, including the name of the specifically identified committee, ballot measure, or candidate supported or opposed. The committee that previously received the funds shall also include a notation on its next statement that the original contribution was subsequently earmarked and shall disclose the original contributor to any new committee to which it transfers the earmarked funds. The new committee shall disclose the true source of the contribution with a notation that the contribution was earmarked to the specific ballot measure or candidate.

(3) A contributor who qualifies as a committee pursuant to Section 82013 and who earmarks a contribution to a specifically identified ballot measure or candidate shall disclose a contribution to the committee that received the contribution with a notation that the contribution was earmarked to the specific ballot measure or candidate. Compliance with this paragraph satisfies the contributor’s disclosure obligations under this title. The committee receiving the earmarked contribution shall disclose the contributor with a notation that the contribution was earmarked to the specific ballot measure or candidate when the contribution is received. The committee receiving the funds is solely responsible for disclosing the ultimate use of the earmarked contribution, whether by contribution or expenditure, at the time the funds are used. If the committee receiving the earmarked contribution contributes any portion of the contribution to another committee to support or oppose the specifically identified ballot measure or candidate, that committee shall disclose the true source of the contribution to the new committee receiving the earmarked funds for disclosure on the new committee’s campaign report. The new committee shall disclose the true source of the contribution with a notation that the contribution was earmarked to the specific ballot measure or candidate.

(f) A violation of this section shall not be based solely on the timing of contributions made or received.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 558, Sec. 12. (AB 864) Effective January 1, 2020. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 7. Additional Contribution Requirements


text:
(a) A person shall not make any contribution to a committee or candidate that is earmarked for a contribution to any other particular committee, ballot measure, or candidate unless the contribution is fully disclosed pursuant to Section 84302.

(b) For purposes of subdivision (a), a contribution is earmarked if the contribution is made under any of the following circumstances:

(1) The committee or candidate receiving the contribution solicited the contribution for the purpose of making a contribution to another specifically identified committee, ballot measure, or candidate, requested the contributor to expressly consent to such use, and the contributor consents to such use.

(2) The contribution was made subject to a condition or agreement with the contributor that all or a portion of the contribution would be used to make a contribution to another specifically identified committee, ballot measure, or candidate.

(3) After the contribution was made, the contributor and the committee or candidate receiving the contribution reached a subsequent agreement that all or a portion of the contribution would be used to make a contribution to another specifically identified committee, ballot measure, or candidate.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), dues, assessments, fees, and similar payments made to a membership organization or its sponsored committee in an amount less than five hundred dollars ($500) per calendar year from a single source for the purpose of making contributions or expenditures shall not be considered earmarked.

(d) The committee making the earmarked contribution shall provide the committee receiving the earmarked contribution with the name, address, occupation, and employer, if any, or principal place of business, if self-employed, of the contributor or contributors who earmarked their funds and the amount of the earmarked contribution from each contributor at the time it makes the contribution. If the committee making the contribution received earmarked contributions that exceed the amount contributed, or received contributions that were not earmarked, the committee making the contribution shall use a reasonable accounting method to determine which contributors to identify pursuant to this subdivision, but in no case shall the same contribution be disclosed more than one time to avoid disclosure of additional contributors who earmarked their funds.

(e) Earmarked contributions shall be disclosed on reports required by Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 84100) as follows:

(1) A contributor who qualifies as a committee pursuant to Section 82013 and who makes a contribution to a committee but earmarks the funds to another specifically identified committee pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b) shall disclose the specifically identified committee as the recipient of the contribution and the other committee as an intermediary at the time the earmarked contribution is made. The specifically identified committee shall disclose the contributor and intermediary at the time the funds are received from the intermediary. The intermediary committee shall disclose receipt of the funds as a miscellaneous increase to cash at the time the funds are received and shall disclose the expenditure as the transfer of an earmarked contribution from the contributor to the specifically identified committee at the time the funds are transferred to the specifically identified committee.

(2) A contributor who qualifies as a committee pursuant to Section 82013 and who makes a contribution to a committee and subsequently earmarks the funds pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall include a notation on the contributor’s next report required pursuant to Sections 84200, 84200.5, 84202.3, and 84202.7 that the original contribution was subsequently earmarked, including the name of the specifically identified committee, ballot measure, or candidate supported or opposed. The committee that previously received the funds shall also include a notation on its next report required pursuant to Sections 84200, 84200.5, 84202.3, and 84202.7 that the original contribution was subsequently earmarked and shall disclose the original contributor to any new committee to which it transfers the earmarked funds. The new committee shall disclose the true source of the contribution with a notation that the contribution was earmarked to the specific ballot measure or candidate.

(3) A contributor who qualifies as a committee pursuant to Section 82013 and who earmarks a contribution to a specifically identified ballot measure or candidate shall disclose a contribution to the committee that received the contribution with a notation that the contribution was earmarked to the specific ballot measure or candidate. Compliance with this paragraph satisfies the contributor’s disclosure obligations under this title. The committee receiving the earmarked contribution shall disclose the contributor with a notation that the contribution was earmarked to the specific ballot measure or candidate when the contribution is received. The committee receiving the funds is solely responsible for disclosing the ultimate use of the earmarked contribution, whether by contribution or expenditure, at the time the funds are used. If the committee receiving the earmarked contribution contributes any portion of the contribution to another committee to support or oppose the specifically identified ballot measure or candidate, that committee shall disclose the true source of the contribution to the new committee receiving the earmarked funds for disclosure on the new committee’s campaign report. The new committee shall disclose the true source of the contribution with a notation that the contribution was earmarked to the specific ballot measure or candidate.

(f) A violation of this section shall not be based solely on the timing of contributions made or received.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 62. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 7. Additional Contribution Requirements


text: There is hereby appropriated from the General Fund of the state to the Fair Political Practices Commission the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) annually above and beyond the appropriations established for the commission in the fiscal year immediately prior to the effective date of this act, adjusted for cost-of-living changes, for expenditures to support the operations of the commission pursuant to this act. If any provision of this act is successfully challenged, any attorney’s fees and costs shall be paid from the General Fund and the commission’s budget shall not be reduced accordingly.

history: (History: Added November 5, 1996, by initiative Proposition 208, Sec. 40. Effective January 1, 1997. Note: This section is not part of Article 7 (Sections 85700 to 85704).)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 7. Additional Contribution Requirements


text:
(a) The following persons shall register with the Secretary of State:

(1) Lobbying firms.

(2) Lobbyist employers under subdivision (a) of Section 82039.5 who employ one or more in-house lobbyists.

(3) Lobbying coalitions who employ at least one in-house lobbyist.

(b) Each individual lobbyist shall submit a lobbyist certification under Section 86103 for filing with the Secretary of State as part of the registration of the lobbying firm in which the lobbyist is a partner, owner, officer, or employee, or as part of the registration of the lobbyist employer that employs the lobbyist.

(c) Lobbyist employers under subdivision (b) of Section 82039.5 who contract only for a lobbying firm’s services, lobbying coalitions who contract for a lobbying firm’s services and do not employ an in-house lobbyist, and persons described in subdivision (b) of Section 86115, are not required to register with the Secretary of State, but shall maintain records and file quarterly reports under this chapter.

(d) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a registration statement shall be filed both by online or electronic means and physically, submitting the original statement in paper format.

(2) Upon certification by the Secretary of State of an online filing and disclosure system pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 84602, a registration statement shall be filed by online or electronic means.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 328, Sec. 3. (AB 2172) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

chapter: 6. Lobbyists

article: 1. Registration and Reporting

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 6. Lobbyists > 1. Registration and Reporting


text: Every lobbying firm and lobbyist employer who is required to file a registration statement under this chapter shall register with the Secretary of State no later than 10 days after qualifying as a lobbying firm or lobbyist employer.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1183, Sec. 7. Effective September 29, 1985.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) The Secretary of State shall charge each lobbying firm and lobbyist employer required to file a registration statement under this chapter a fee of fifty dollars ($50) per year for each lobbyist required to be listed on its registration statement.

(b) One-half of the moneys collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Political Disclosure, Accountability, Transparency, and Access Fund, and the other one-half of the moneys shall be deposited in the General Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 506, Sec. 3. (SB 1001) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
A lobbyist certification shall include all of the following:

(a) A recent photograph of the lobbyist, the size of which shall be prescribed by the Secretary of State.

(b) The full name, business address, and telephone number of the lobbyist.

(c) A statement that the lobbyist has read and understands the prohibitions contained in Sections 86203 and 86205.

(d) (1) In the case of a lobbyist who filed a completed lobbyist certification in connection with the last regular session of the Legislature, a statement that the lobbyist has completed, within the previous 12 months or will complete no later than June 30 of the following year, the course described in subdivision (b) of Section 8956. If the lobbyist certification states that the lobbyist will complete the course no later than June 30 of the following year, the certification shall be accepted on a conditional basis. Thereafter, if the lobbyist completes the course no later than June 30 of the following year, the lobbyist shall file a new lobbyist certification with the Secretary of State which shall replace the conditional lobbyist certification previously filed. If the lobbyist certification states that the lobbyist will complete the course no later than June 30 of the following year and the lobbyist fails to do so, the conditional lobbyist certification shall be void and the individual shall not act as a lobbyist pursuant to this title until the individual has completed the course and filed with the Secretary of State a lobbyist certification stating that the individual has completed the course and the date of completion. It shall be a violation of this section for any individual to act as a lobbyist pursuant to this title once that individual’s conditional certification is void.

(2) If, in the case of a new lobbyist certification, the lobbyist has not completed the course within the previous 12 months, the lobbyist certification shall include a statement that the lobbyist will complete a scheduled course within 12 months, and the lobbyist certification shall be accepted on a conditional basis. Following the lobbyist’s completion of the ethics course, the lobbyist shall file a new lobbyist certification with the Secretary of State which shall replace the conditional lobbyist certification previously filed. If the new lobbyist certification states that the lobbyist will complete the course within 12 months and the lobbyist fails to do so, the conditional lobbyist certification shall be void and the individual shall not act as a lobbyist pursuant to this title until that individual has completed the course and filed with the Secretary of State a lobbyist certification stating the individual has completed the course and the date of completion. It shall be a violation of this section for any individual to act as a lobbyist pursuant to this title once that individual’s conditional certification is void.

(e) Any other information required by the commission consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 574, Sec. 2) by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 178. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Superseded on operative date of amendment by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
A lobbyist certification shall include all of the following:

(a) A recent photograph of the lobbyist, in a size prescribed by the Secretary of State.

(b) The lobbyist’s full name, business address, email address, and telephone number.

(c) A statement that the lobbyist has read and understands the prohibitions contained in Sections 86203 and 86205.

(d) A statement regarding the lobbyist’s completion of the ethics course described in subdivision (b) of Section 8956 as follows:

(1) For a lobbyist who filed a completed lobbyist certification in connection with the last regular session of the Legislature, either of the following statements:

(A) That the lobbyist has completed the ethics course within the previous 12 months.

(B) That the lobbyist will complete the ethics course no later than June 30 of the following year, in which case the certification shall be accepted on a conditional basis.

(2) In the case of a new lobbyist certification, if the lobbyist has not completed the course within the previous 12 months, the lobbyist certification shall include a statement that the lobbyist will complete the course within 12 months. The lobbyist certification shall be accepted on a conditional basis.

(3) If a lobbyist certification is accepted on a conditional basis, the lobbyist shall timely complete the ethics course and file a new lobbyist certification to replace the conditional lobbyist certification. If the lobbyist fails to timely complete the ethics course, the conditional lobbyist certification shall be void and the individual shall not act as a lobbyist under this title until the individual completes the course and files a lobbyist certification stating the date of completion. It is a violation of this section for any individual to act as a lobbyist under this title once that individual’s conditional certification is void.

(4) The date and confirmation that an individual has completed the ethics course may be transmitted to the Secretary of State by the legislative ethics committee.

(e) Any other information required by the commission consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

(f) Registration fees required by Section 86102 shall be paid online at the time a lobbyist certification is submitted for registration to be active.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 31) by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 179. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Conditionally operative on date prescribed by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 44.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
The registration of a lobbying firm shall include:

(a) The full name, business address, and telephone number of the lobbying firm.

(b) A list of the lobbyists who are partners, owners, officers, or employees of the lobbying firm.

(c) The lobbyist certification of each lobbyist in the lobbying firm.

(d) For each person with whom the lobbying firm contracts to provide the following lobbying services:

(1) The full name, business address, and telephone number of the person.

(2) A written authorization signed by the person.

(3) The time period of the contract.

(4) Information sufficient to identify the nature and interests of the person including:

(A) If the person is an individual, the name and address of the person’s employer, if any, or the person’s principal place of business if the person is self-employed, and a description of the business activity in which the person or the person’s employer is engaged.

(B) If the person is a business entity, a description of the business activity in which it is engaged.

(C) If the person is an industry, trade, or professional association, a description of the industry, trade, or profession which it represents including a specific description of any portion or faction of the industry, trade, or profession which the association exclusively or primarily represents and, if the association has not more than 50 members, the names of the members.

(D) If the person is not an individual, business entity, or industry, trade, or professional association, a statement of the person’s nature and purposes, including a description of any industry, trade, profession, or other group with a common economic interest which the person principally represents or from which its membership or financial support is principally derived.

(5) The lobbying interests of the person.

(6) A list of the state agencies whose legislative or administrative actions the lobbying firm will attempt to influence for the person.

(e) The name and title of a partner, owner, or officer of the lobbying firm who is responsible for filing statements and reports and keeping records required by this chapter on behalf of the lobbying firm, and a statement signed by the designated responsible person that such person has read and understands the prohibitions contained in Sections 86203 and 86205.

(f) Any other information required by the commission consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 459, Sec. 1) by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 180. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Superseded on operative date of amendment by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
The registration of a lobbying firm shall include:

(a) The full name, business address, email address, and telephone number of the lobbying firm.

(b) A list of the lobbyists who are partners, owners, officers, or employees of the lobbying firm.

(c) The lobbyist certification of each lobbyist in the lobbying firm.

(d) The following information regarding each person with whom the lobbying firm contracts to provide lobbying services:

(1) The full name, business address, email address, and telephone number of the person.

(2) An authorization electronically confirmed by the person.

(3) The time period of the contract.

(4) Information sufficient to identify the nature and interests of the person including:

(A) For an individual, the name and address of the person’s employer, if any, or if self-employed the person’s principal place of business, and a description of the business activity in which the person or the person’s employer is engaged.

(B) For a business entity, a description of the business activity in which it is engaged.

(C) For an industry, trade, or professional association, a description of the industry, trade, or profession it represents, including a specific description of any part or faction of the industry, trade, or profession the association exclusively or primarily represents and, if the association has 50 or fewer members, the names of the members.

(D) For other persons, a statement of the person’s nature and purposes, including a description of any industry, trade, profession, or other group with a common economic interest that the person principally represents or from which its membership or financial support is principally derived.

(5) The lobbying interests of the person.

(6) A list of the state agencies whose legislative or administrative actions the lobbying firm will attempt to influence for the person.

(e) The name and title of a partner, owner, or officer of the lobbying firm who is responsible for filing statements and reports and keeping records required by this chapter on behalf of the lobbying firm, and a statement signed by the designated responsible person that such person has read and understands the prohibitions contained in Sections 86203 and 86205.

(f) Any other information required by the commission consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 32) by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 181. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Conditionally operative on date prescribed by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 44.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
The registration for a lobbyist employer that employs lobbyists or a lobbying coalition shall include:

(a) The following information regarding the lobbyist employer or coalition:

(1) The filer’s full name, business address, email address, and telephone number.

(2) Information sufficient to identify the nature and interests of the filer, including:

(A) For an individual, the name and address of the filer’s employer, if any, or if self-employed, the filer’s principal place of business, and a description of the business activity in which the filer or the filer’s employer is engaged.

(B) For a business entity, a description of the business activity in which it is engaged.

(C) For an industry, trade, or professional association, a description of the industry, trade, or profession it represents including a specific description of any part or faction of the industry, trade, or profession that the association exclusively or primarily represents and, if the association has 50 or fewer members, the names of the members.

(D) For other persons, a statement of the person’s nature and purposes, including a description of any industry, trade, profession, or other group with a common economic interest that the person principally represents or from which its membership or financial support is principally derived.

(3) The lobbying employer’s or coalition’s lobbying interests.

(4) A list of the state agencies whose legislative or administrative actions the lobbyist employer or coalition will attempt to influence.

(b) The lobbyist employer or coalition shall provide:

(1) A list of the lobbyists who are employed by the lobbyist employer or coalition.

(2) The lobbyist certification of each lobbyist employed.

(c) Any other information required by the Commission consistent with this chapter’s purposes and provisions.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 312, Sec. 18. (AB 902) Effective January 1, 2020.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text: Each registered lobbying firm and lobbyist employer which will be conducting activities which require registration shall renew its registration by filing photographs of its lobbyists, authorizations, and a registration statement between November 1 and December 31, of each even-numbered year. Each lobbyist shall renew the lobbyist’s own lobbyist certification in connection with the renewal of registration by the lobbyist’s lobbying firm or employer.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 182. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) If any change occurs in any of the information contained in a registration statement, an appropriate amendment shall be filed both by online or electronic means and physically, submitting the original one copy of the amendment, in paper format, with the Secretary of State within 20 days after the change. However, if the change includes the name of a person by whom a lobbying firm is retained, the registration statement of the lobbying firm shall be amended and filed to show that change prior to the lobbying firm’s attempting to influence any legislative or administrative action on behalf of that person. Lobbying firms and lobbyist employers that, during a regular session of the Legislature, cease all activity that required registration shall file a notice of termination within 20 days after the cessation. Lobbying firms and lobbyist employers that, at the close of a regular session of the Legislature, cease all activity that required registration are not required to file a notice of termination.

(b) If any change occurs in any of the information contained in a lobbyist certification or if a lobbyist terminates all activity that required the certification, the lobbyist shall submit an amended certification or notice of termination to the lobbyist’s lobbying firm or lobbyist employer for filing with the Secretary of State within the time limits specified in subdivision (a). A lobbyist who, at the close of a regular session of the Legislature, ceases all activity that required certification is not required to file a notice of termination.

(c) Lobbyists and lobbying firms are subject to Section 86203 for the earlier of six months after filing a notice of termination or six months after the close of a regular session of the Legislature at the close of which the lobbyist or lobbying firm ceased all activity that required certification or registration.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 18, Sec. 9) by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 183. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Superseded on operative date of amendment by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) If any information in a registration statement changes, an appropriate amendment shall be filed online or electronically with the Secretary of State within 20 days after the change. However, if the change includes the name of a person by whom a lobbying firm is retained, the registration statement of the lobbying firm shall be amended and filed to show that change prior to the lobbying firm’s attempting to influence any legislative or administrative action on behalf of that person. Lobbying firms and lobbyist employers that, during a regular session of the Legislature, cease all activity that required registration shall file a notice of termination within 20 days after the cessation. Lobbying firms and lobbyist employers that, at the close of a regular session of the Legislature, cease all activity that required registration are not required to file a notice of termination.

(b) If any information in a lobbyist certification changes, or if a lobbyist terminates all activity that required the certification, the lobbyist shall submit an amended certification or notice of termination to the lobbyist’s lobbying firm or lobbyist employer for filing with the Secretary of State within the time limits specified in subdivision (a). A lobbyist who, at the close of a regular session of the Legislature, ceases all activity that required certification is not required to file a notice of termination.

(c) Lobbyists and lobbying firms are subject to the gift limits in Section 86203 for the earlier of six months after either of the following:

(1) The filing of a notice of termination.

(2) The close of a regular session of the Legislature if the lobbyist or lobbying firm ceased all activity that required certification or registration when the session closed.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 34) by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 184. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Conditionally operative on date prescribed by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 44.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text: All information listed on any registration statement and on any amendment, renewal, or notice of termination shall be printed by the Secretary of State and made public within 30 days after filing.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1183, Sec. 7. Effective September 29, 1985. Superseded on operative date of amendment by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text: The Secretary of State shall make all information listed on any registration statement and on any amendment, renewal, or notice of termination publicly available on the Internet as soon as possible after receipt.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 35. (SB 1239) Effective January 1, 2019. Conditionally operative on date prescribed by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 44.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text: Within 140 days after the commencement of each regular session of the Legislature, the Secretary of State shall publish a directory of registered individual lobbyists, lobbying firms, and lobbyist employers. The Secretary of State shall publish, from time to time, such supplements to the directory as may be necessary.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 391, Sec. 2. Repealed conditionally by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, on date prescribed in Sec. 44 of Ch. 662.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) The Secretary of State shall establish and maintain on the Internet an online version of the Directory of Lobbyists, Lobbying Firms, and Lobbyist Employers. The Secretary of State shall update the directory weekly.

(b) The Secretary of State shall also display on the Internet a list of the specific changes made to the Directory of Lobbyist, Lobbying Firms, and Lobbying Employers, including new registrations and listings, additions, deletions, and other revisions, during the seven days preceding the update required by subdivision (a).

(c) This section may not be implemented until July 1, 2001, unless otherwise authorized by the Department of Information Technology pursuant to Executive Order D-3-99.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the lobbying data made available on the Internet shall include the street name and building number of the persons or entity representatives listed on all the documents submitted to the Secretary of State pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 86100).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 855, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2000. Superseded on operative date of amendment by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) The Secretary of State shall establish and maintain on the Internet an online listing of lobbyists, lobbying firms, and lobbyist employers. The Secretary of State shall update the listing as soon as possible when new information is received.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the lobbying data made available on the Internet shall include the street name and building number of the persons or entity representatives listed on all the documents submitted to the Secretary of State pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 86100).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 37. (SB 1239) Effective January 1, 2019. Conditionally operative on date prescribed by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 44.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text: Lobbyists, lobbying firms, and lobbyist employers which receive payments, make payments or incur expenses or expect to receive payments, make payments or incur expenses in connection with activities which are reportable pursuant to this chapter shall keep detailed accounts, records, bills, and receipts as shall be required by regulations adopted by the commission to expedite the performance of all obligations imposed by this chapter.

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) “Activity expense” as used in this chapter means any expense incurred or payment made by a lobbyist, lobbying firm, lobbyist employer or a person described in subdivision (b) of Section 86115, or arranged by a lobbyist or lobbying firm, which benefits in whole or in part any elective state official, legislative official, agency official, state candidate, or a member of the immediate family of one of these individuals. Activity expenses include gifts, honoraria, consulting fees, salaries, and any other form of compensation but do not include campaign contributions.

(b) “Agency official” as used in this chapter means any official of a state agency whose administrative actions the lobbyist, lobbying firm, lobbyist employer, or person described in subdivision (b) of Section 86115 has attempted or is attempting to influence.

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
When a person is required to report activity expenses pursuant to this article, the following information shall be provided:

(a) The date and amount of each activity expense.

(b) The full name and official position, if any, of the beneficiary of each expense, a description of the benefit, and the amount of benefit.

(c) The full name of the payee of each expense if other than the beneficiary.

(d) Any other information required by the commission consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1183, Sec. 7. Effective September 29, 1985.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) Each person filing a report pursuant to this article who sends any written or printed invitation to an elected state officer, candidate for elective state office, legislative official or agency official, shall include on the invitation or on a letter attached to the invitation the following typed, printed, or handwritten statement that is at least as large and readable as 8-point Roman boldface type, in a color or print that contrasts with the background so as to be easily legible: Attendance at this event by a public official will constitute acceptance of a reportable gift. (b) The notice specified in subdivision (a) shall not be required to appear on any invitation wherein attendance at the event described in the invitation will not constitute acceptance of a reportable gift by an elected state officer, candidate for elective state office, legislative official or agency official, pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 87207.

(c) The remedies provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 83100) constitute the exclusive penalty for a violation of this section. The remedies provided in Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 91000) do not apply to this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1140, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1994.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) Each person filing a report pursuant to this article shall provide each beneficiary of a gift listed within the report the following information:

(1) The date and amount of each gift reportable by the beneficiary.

(2) A description of the goods or services provided to the beneficiary.

(b) The information required to be disclosed pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be provided to the beneficiary within 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter in which the gift was provided. For the purposes of meeting the disclosure requirements of this section, a lobbyist firm or lobbyist employer may provide the beneficiary a copy of the activity expense section of the report submitted to the Secretary of State pursuant to this article.

(c) The remedies provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 83100) constitute the exclusive penalty for a violation of this section. The remedies provided in Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 91000) do not apply to this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 322, Sec. 1.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) A lobbyist shall complete and verify a periodic report which contains:

(1) A report of all activity expenses by the lobbyist during the reporting period; and

(2) A report of all contributions of one hundred dollars ($100) or more made or delivered by the lobbyist to any elected state officer or state candidate during the reporting period.

(b) A lobbyist shall provide the original of the lobbyist’s periodic report to the lobbyist’s lobbyist employer or lobbying firm within two weeks following the end of each calendar quarter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 185. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) Lobbying firms shall file periodic reports containing all of the following:

(1) The full name, address, and telephone number of the lobbying firm.

(2) The full name, business address, and telephone number of each person who contracted with the lobbying firm for lobbying services, a description of the specific lobbying interests of the person, and the total payments, including fees and the reimbursement of expenses, received from the person for lobbying services during the reporting period.

(3) The total amount of payments received for lobbying services during the period.

(4) A periodic report completed and verified by each lobbyist in the lobbying firm pursuant to Section 86113.

(5) Each activity expense incurred by the lobbying firm including those reimbursed by a person who contracts with the lobbying firm for lobbying services. A total of all activity expenses of the lobbying firm and all of its lobbyists shall be included.

(6) If the lobbying firm subcontracts with another lobbying firm for lobbying services:

(A) The full name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor.

(B) The name of the person for whom the subcontractor was retained to lobby.

(C) The total amount of all payments made to the subcontractor.

(7) The date, amount, and the name of the recipient of any contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more made by the filer to an elected state officer, a state candidate, a committee controlled by an elected state officer or state candidate, or a committee primarily formed to support such officers or candidates. If this contribution is reported by the lobbying firm or by a committee sponsored by the lobbying firm in a campaign statement filed pursuant to Chapter 4 which is required to be filed with the Secretary of State, the filer may report only the name of the committee and the identification number of the committee.

(8) Any other information required by the commission consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

(b) In addition to the information required by subdivision (a), lobbying firms which qualify pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 82038.5 shall also report the name and title of each partner, owner, officer, and employee of the lobbying firm who, on at least five separate occasions during the reporting period, engaged in direct communication with any elective state official, legislative official, or agency official, for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action on behalf of a person who contracts with the lobbying firm for lobbying services. This does not include individuals whose actions were purely clerical.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 905, Sec. 3. Superseded on operative date of amendment by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
(a) Lobbying firms shall file periodic reports containing all of the following:

(1) The full name, business address, email address, and telephone number of the lobbying firm.

(2) (A) The full name, business address, and telephone number of each person who contracted with the lobbying firm for lobbying services, and the total payments, including fees and the reimbursement of expenses, received from the person for lobbying services during the reporting period.

(B) (i) For each lobbyist employer represented by the lobbying firm, the report shall indicate each legislative or administrative action, with regard to which a partner, owner, officer, or employee of the lobbying firm engaged in direct communication with an elective state official, agency official, or legislative official on behalf of the lobbyist employer by that lobbying firm for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action during the reporting period, either by reference to its legislative or administrative identification number or, if none exists, by the official title, popular name, or description of the action.

(ii) The report shall not include legislative or administrative actions which the lobbying firm is only watching, monitoring, or which the lobbying firm has not attempted to influence during the reporting period.

(iii) The requirements of this subparagraph do not apply to a placement agent, as defined in Section 82047.3.

(3) The total amount of payments received for lobbying services during the period.

(4) A periodic report completed and verified by each lobbyist in the lobbying firm pursuant to Section 86113.

(5) Each activity expense incurred by the lobbying firm including those reimbursed by a person who contracts with the lobbying firm for lobbying services. A total of all activity expenses of the lobbying firm and all of its lobbyists shall be included.

(6) If the lobbying firm subcontracts with another lobbying firm for lobbying services:

(A) The full name, address, email address, and telephone number of the subcontractor.

(B) The name of the person for whom the subcontractor was retained to lobby.

(C) The total amount of all payments made to the subcontractor.

(7) The date, amount, and the name of the recipient of any contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more made by the filer to an elected state officer, a state candidate, a committee controlled by an elected state officer or state candidate, or a committee primarily formed to support or oppose those officers or candidates. If this contribution is reported by the lobbying firm or by a committee sponsored by the lobbying firm in a campaign statement filed pursuant to Chapter 4 which is required to be filed with the Secretary of State, the filer may report only the name of the committee and the identification number of the committee.

(8) Any other information required by the commission consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

(b) In addition to the information required by subdivision (a), lobbying firms which qualify pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 82038.5 shall also report the name and title of each partner, owner, officer, and employee of the lobbying firm who, on at least five separate occasions during the reporting period, engaged in direct communication with any elective state official, legislative official, or agency official, for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action on behalf of a person who contracts with the lobbying firm for lobbying services. This does not include individuals whose actions were purely clerical.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 38) by Stats. 2022, Ch. 873, Sec. 1. (SB 459) Effective January 1, 2023. Conditionally operative on or after January 1, 2023, pursuant to Stats. 2022, Ch. 873.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
Subject to the exceptions in Section 86300, the following persons shall file the statements required by Section 86116:

(a) Any lobbyist employer; and

(b) Any person who directly or indirectly makes payments to influence legislative or administrative action of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more in value in any calendar quarter, unless all of the payments are of the type described in subdivision (c) of Section 82045.

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
Every person described in Section 86115 shall file periodic reports containing the following information:

(a) The name, business address, and telephone number of the lobbyist employer or other person filing the report.

(b) The total amount of payments to each lobbying firm.

(c) The total amount of all payments to lobbyists employed by the filer.

(d) A description of the specific lobbying interests of the filer.

(e) A periodic report completed and verified by each lobbyist employed by a lobbyist employer pursuant to Section 86113.

(f) Each activity expense of the filer. A total of all activity expenses of the filer shall be included.

(g) The date, amount, and the name of the recipient of any contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more made by the filer to an elected state officer, a state candidate, or a committee controlled by an elected state officer or state candidate, or a committee primarily formed to support the officer or candidate. If this contribution is reported by the filer or by a committee sponsored by the filer in a campaign statement filed pursuant to Chapter 4 which is required to be filed with the Secretary of State, the filer may report only the name of the committee, and the identification number of the committee.

(h) (1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), the total of all other payments to influence legislative or administrative action including overhead expenses and all payments to employees who spend 10 percent or more of their compensated time in any one month in activities related to influencing legislative or administrative action.

(2) A filer that makes payments to influence a ratemaking or quasi-legislative proceeding before the Public Utilities Commission, as defined in subdivision (b) or (c), respectively, of Section 82002, may, in lieu of reporting those payments pursuant to paragraph (1), report only the portion of those payments made to or for the filer’s attorneys for time spent appearing as counsel and preparing to appear as counsel, or to or for the filer’s witnesses for time spent testifying and preparing to testify, in this type of Public Utilities Commission proceeding. This alternative reporting of these payments made during a calendar month is not required to include payments made to an attorney or witness who is an employee of the filer if less than 10 percent of the attorney or witness’s compensated time in that month was spent in appearing, testifying, or preparing to appear or testify before the Public Utilities Commission in a ratemaking or quasi-legislative proceeding. For the purposes of this paragraph, time spent preparing to appear or preparing to testify does not include time spent preparing written testimony.

(i) Any other information required by the commission consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 921, Sec. 3) by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 186. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Superseded on operative date of amendment by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting


text:
Every person described in Section 86115 shall file periodic reports containing the following information:

(a) The name, business address, email address, and telephone number of the lobbyist employer or other person filing the report.

(b) The total amount of payments to each lobbying firm.

(c) The total amount of all payments to lobbyists employed by the filer.

(d) The information required by subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 86114. A person described in Section 86115 may, in a manner authorized by the commission, refer to and incorporate by reference the information contained in a report filed by the person’s lobbying firm pursuant to Section 86114 to meet the requirement of this subdivision.

(e) A periodic report completed and verified by each lobbyist employed by a lobbyist employer pursuant to Section 86113.

(f) Each activity expense of the filer. A total of all activity expenses of the filer shall be included.

(g) The date, amount, and the name of the recipient of any contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more made by the filer to an elected state officer, a state candidate, or a committee controlled by an elected state officer or state candidate, or a committee primarily formed to support or oppose the officer or candidate. If this contribution is reported by the filer or by a committee sponsored by the filer in a campaign statement filed pursuant to Chapter 4 which is required to be filed with the Secretary of State, the filer may report only the name of the committee, and the identification number of the committee.

(h) (1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), the total of all other payments to influence legislative or administrative action including overhead expenses and all payments to employees who spend more than 10 percent of their compensated time in any one month in activities related to influencing legislative or administrative action. Any payment to influence legislative or administrative action totaling two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or more to a payee during a reporting period that was made in connection with an issue lobbying advertisement must include the identification number or, if none exists, the official title, popular name, or description of any legislative or administrative action clearly referred to in the issue lobbying advertisement as well as one of the following descriptions of the position of the filer who paid for the advertisement: “support,” “oppose,” “support if amended,” “oppose unless amended,” “neutral,” “neutral seeking amendment,” “neutral expressing concerns,” “no position,” or similar description.

(2) A filer that makes payments to influence a ratemaking or quasi-legislative proceeding before the Public Utilities Commission, as defined in subdivision (b) or (c), respectively, of Section 82002, may, in lieu of reporting those payments pursuant to paragraph (1), report only the portion of those payments made to or for the filer’s attorneys for time spent appearing as counsel and preparing to appear as counsel, or to or for the filer’s witnesses for time spent testifying and preparing to testify, in this type of Public Utilities Commission proceeding. This alternative reporting of these payments made during a calendar month is not required to include payments made to an attorney or witness who is an employee of the filer if 10 percent or less of the attorney’s or witness’s compensated time in that month was spent appearing, testifying, or preparing to appear or testify before the Public Utilities Commission in a ratemaking or quasi-legislative proceeding. For the purposes of this paragraph, time spent preparing to appear or preparing to testify does not include time spent preparing written testimony.

(i) Any other information required by the commission consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 187) by Stats. 2022, Ch. 873, Sec. 2. (SB 459) Effective January 1, 2023. Conditionally operative on or after January 1, 2023, pursuant to Stats. 2022, Ch. 873. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Registration and Reporting