text:
(a) A slate mailer organization shall file semiannual campaign reports no later than July 31 for the period ending June 30, and no later than January 31 for the period ending December 31.

(b) In addition to the semiannual reports required by subdivision (a), a slate mailer organization which produces a slate mailer supporting or opposing candidates or measures being voted on in an election shall file the reports specified in Section 84200.8 if, during the period covered by the preelection report, the slate mailer organization receives payments totaling five hundred dollars ($500) or more from any person for the support of or opposition to candidates or ballot measures in one or more slate mailers, or expends five hundred dollars ($500) or more to produce one or more slate mailers.

(c) A slate mailer organization shall file two copies of its campaign reports with the clerk of the county in which it is domiciled. A slate mailer organization is domiciled at the address listed on its registration unless it is domiciled outside California, in which case its domicile shall be deemed to be Los Angeles County for purposes of this section.

In addition, slate mailer organizations shall file campaign reports as follows:

(1) A slate mailer organization which produces one or more slate mailers supporting or opposing candidates or measures voted on in a state election, or in more than one county, shall file campaign reports in the same manner as state general purpose committees pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 84215.

(2) A slate mailer organization which produces one or more slate mailers supporting or opposing candidates or measures voted on in only one county, or in more than one jurisdiction within one county, shall file campaign reports in the same manner as county general purpose committees pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 84215.

(3) A slate mailer organization which produces one or more slate mailers supporting or opposing candidates or measures voted on in only one city shall file campaign reports in the same manner as city general purpose committees pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 84215.

(4) Notwithstanding the above, no slate mailer organization shall be required to file more than the original and one copy, or two copies, of a campaign report with any one county or city clerk or with the Secretary of State.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 38. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


kind: section

code: GOV

text:
Whenever a slate mailer organization is required to file campaign reports pursuant to Section 84218, the campaign report shall include the following information:

(a) The total amount of receipts during the period covered by the campaign statement and the total cumulative amount of receipts. For purposes of this section only, “receipts” means payments received by a slate mailer organization for production and distribution of slate mailers.

(b) The total amount of disbursements made during the period covered by the campaign statement and the total cumulative amount of disbursements. For purposes of this section only, “disbursements” means payment made by a slate mailer organization for the production or distribution of slate mailers.

(c) For each candidate or committee that is a source of receipts totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement:

(1) The name of the candidate or committee, identification of the jurisdiction and the office sought or ballot measure number or letter, and, if the source is a committee, the committee’s identification number, street address, and the name of the candidate or measure on whose behalf or in opposition to which the payment is made.

(2) The date and amount received for each receipt totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement.

(3) The cumulative amount of receipts on behalf of or in opposition to the candidate or measure.

(d) For each person other than a candidate or committee who is a source of receipts totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement:

(1) Identification of the jurisdiction, office or ballot measure, and name of the candidate or measure on whose behalf or in opposition to which the payment was made.

(2) Full name, street address, name of employer, or, if self-employed, name of business of the source of receipts.

(3) The date and amount received for each receipt totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement.

(4) The cumulative amount of receipts on behalf of or in opposition to the candidate or measure.

(e) For each candidate or ballot measure not reported pursuant to subdivision (c) or (d), but who was supported or opposed in a slate mailer sent by the slate mailer organization during the period covered by the report, identification of jurisdiction, office or ballot measure, and name of the candidate or measure who was supported or opposed.

(f) The total amount of disbursements made during the period covered by the campaign statement to persons who have received one hundred dollars ($100) or more.

(g) The total amount of disbursements made during the period covered by the campaign statement to persons who have received less than one hundred dollars ($100).

(h) For each person to whom a disbursement of one hundred dollars ($100) or more has been made during the period covered by the campaign statement:

(1) That person’s full name.

(2) That person’s street address.

(3) The amount of each disbursement.

(4) A brief description of the consideration for which each disbursement was made.

(5) The information required in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, for each person, if different from the payee, who has provided consideration for a disbursement of five hundred dollars ($500) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement.

(i) Cumulative disbursements, totaling one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, made directly or indirectly to any person listed in the slate mailer organization’s statement of organization. For purposes of this subdivision, a disbursement is made indirectly to a person if it is intended for the benefit of or use by that person or a member of the person’s immediate family, or if it is made to a business entity in which the person or member of the person’s immediate family is a partner, shareholder, owner, director, trustee, officer, employee, consultant, or holds any position of management or in which the person or member of the person’s immediate family has an investment of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more. This subdivision does not apply to any disbursement made to a business entity whose securities are publicly traded.

(j) The full name, street address, and telephone number of the slate mailer organization and of the treasurer.

(k) Whenever a slate mailer organization also qualifies as a general purpose committee pursuant to Section 82027.5, the campaign report shall include, in addition to the information required by this section, the information required by Section 84211.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 853, Sec. 7) by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 166. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Superseded on operative date of amendment by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

chapter: 4. Campaign Disclosure

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 4. Campaign Disclosure > 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
Whenever a slate mailer organization is required to file campaign reports pursuant to Section 84218, the campaign report shall include the following information:

(a) The total amount of receipts during the period covered by the campaign statement and the total cumulative amount of receipts. For purposes of this section only, “receipts” means payments received by a slate mailer organization for production and distribution of slate mailers.

(b) The total amount of disbursements made during the period covered by the campaign statement and the total cumulative amount of disbursements. For purposes of this section only, “disbursements” means payment made by a slate mailer organization for the production or distribution of slate mailers.

(c) For each candidate or committee that is a source of receipts totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement:

(1) The name of the candidate or committee, identification of the jurisdiction and the office sought or ballot measure number or letter, and, if the source is a committee, the committee’s identification number, street address, and the name of the candidate or measure on whose behalf or in opposition to which the payment is made.

(2) The date and amount received for each receipt totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement.

(3) The cumulative amount of receipts on behalf of or in opposition to the candidate or measure.

(d) For each person other than a candidate or committee who is a source of receipts totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement:

(1) Identification of the jurisdiction, office or ballot measure, and name of the candidate or measure on whose behalf or in opposition to which the payment was made.

(2) Full name, street address, name of employer, or, if self-employed, name of business of the source of receipts.

(3) The date and amount received for each receipt totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement.

(4) The cumulative amount of receipts on behalf of or in opposition to the candidate or measure.

(e) For each candidate or ballot measure not reported pursuant to subdivision (c) or (d), but who was supported or opposed in a slate mailer sent by the slate mailer organization during the period covered by the report, identification of jurisdiction, office or ballot measure, and name of the candidate or measure who was supported or opposed.

(f) The total amount of disbursements made during the period covered by the campaign statement to persons who have received one hundred dollars ($100) or more.

(g) The total amount of disbursements made during the period covered by the campaign statement to persons who have received less than one hundred dollars ($100).

(h) For each person to whom a disbursement of one hundred dollars ($100) or more has been made during the period covered by the campaign statement:

(1) That person’s full name.

(2) That person’s street address.

(3) The date and amount of each disbursement.

(4) A brief description of the consideration for which each disbursement was made.

(5) The information required in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, for each person, if different from the payee, who has provided consideration for a disbursement of five hundred dollars ($500) or more during the period covered by the campaign statement.

(i) Cumulative disbursements, totaling one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, made directly or indirectly to any person listed in the slate mailer organization’s statement of organization. For purposes of this subdivision, a disbursement is made indirectly to a person if it is intended for the benefit of or use by that person or a member of the person’s immediate family, or if it is made to a business entity in which the person or member of the person’s immediate family is a partner, shareholder, owner, director, trustee, officer, employee, consultant, or holds any position of management or in which the person or member of the person’s immediate family has an investment of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more. This subdivision does not apply to any disbursement made to a business entity whose securities are publicly traded.

(j) The full name, street address, email address, and telephone number of the slate mailer organization and of the treasurer.

(k) Whenever a slate mailer organization also qualifies as a general purpose committee pursuant to Section 82027.5, the campaign report shall include, in addition to the information required by this section, the information required by Section 84211.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 21) by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 167. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Conditionally operative on date prescribed by Stats. 2018, Ch. 662, Sec. 44. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
Whenever a slate mailer organization is required to file campaign reports pursuant to Section 84218, the campaign report shall include the following information:

(a) The total amount of receipts during the period covered by the campaign report and the total cumulative amount of receipts. For purposes of this section only, “receipts” means payments received by a slate mailer organization for production and distribution of slate mailers.

(b) The total amount of disbursements made during the period covered by the campaign report and the total cumulative amount of disbursements. For purposes of this section only, “disbursements” means payment made by a slate mailer organization for the production or distribution of slate mailers.

(c) For each candidate or committee that is a source of receipts totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign report:

(1) The name of the candidate or committee, identification of the jurisdiction and the office sought or ballot measure number or letter, and, if the source is a committee, the committee’s identification number, street address, and the name of the candidate or measure on whose behalf or in opposition to which the payment is made.

(2) The date and amount received for each receipt totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign report.

(3) The cumulative amount of receipts on behalf of or in opposition to the candidate or measure.

(d) For each person other than a candidate or committee who is a source of receipts totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign report:

(1) Identification of the jurisdiction, office or ballot measure, and name of the candidate or measure on whose behalf or in opposition to which the payment was made.

(2) Full name, street address, name of employer, or, if self-employed, name of business of the source of receipts.

(3) The date and amount received for each receipt totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more during the period covered by the campaign report.

(4) The cumulative amount of receipts on behalf of or in opposition to the candidate or measure.

(e) For each candidate or ballot measure not reported pursuant to subdivision (c) or (d), but who was supported or opposed in a slate mailer sent by the slate mailer organization during the period covered by the report, identification of jurisdiction, office or ballot measure, and name of the candidate or measure who was supported or opposed.

(f) The total amount of disbursements made during the period covered by the campaign report to persons who have received one hundred dollars ($100) or more.

(g) The total amount of disbursements made during the period covered by the campaign report to persons who have received less than one hundred dollars ($100).

(h) For each person to whom a disbursement of one hundred dollars ($100) or more has been made during the period covered by the campaign report:

(1) That person’s full name.

(2) That person’s street address.

(3) The date and amount of each disbursement.

(4) A brief description of the consideration for which each disbursement was made.

(5) The information required in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, for each person, if different from the payee, who has provided consideration for a disbursement of five hundred dollars ($500) or more during the period covered by the campaign report.

(i) Cumulative disbursements, totaling one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, made directly or indirectly to any person listed in the slate mailer organization’s registration. For purposes of this subdivision, a disbursement is made indirectly to a person if it is intended for the benefit of or use by that person or a member of the person’s immediate family, or if it is made to a business entity in which the person or member of the person’s immediate family is a partner, shareholder, owner, director, trustee, officer, employee, consultant, or holds any position of management or in which the person or member of the person’s immediate family has an investment of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more. This subdivision does not apply to any disbursement made to a business entity whose securities are publicly traded.

(j) The full name, street address, email address, and telephone number of the slate mailer organization and of the treasurer.

(k) Whenever a slate mailer organization also qualifies as a general purpose committee pursuant to Section 82027.5, the campaign report shall include, in addition to the information required by this section, the information required by Section 84211.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 167) by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 39. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text: If a slate mailer organization receives a payment of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or more for purposes of supporting or opposing any candidate or ballot measure in a slate mailer, and the payment is received at a time when, if the payment were a contribution it would be considered a late contribution, then the slate mailer organization shall report the payment in the manner set forth in Section 84203 for candidates and committees when reporting late contributions received. The slate mailer organization shall, in addition to reporting the information required by Section 84203, identify the candidates or measures whose support or opposition is being paid for, in whole or in part, by each late payment.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 905, Sec. 6.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text: Slate mailer organizations shall terminate their filing obligations in the same manner as applies to committees qualifying under subdivision (a) of Section 82013.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 905, Sec. 7.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) For purposes of this title, “multipurpose organization” means an organization described in Sections 501(c)(3) to 501(c)(10), inclusive, of the Internal Revenue Code and that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, a federal or out-of-state political organization, a trade association, a professional association, a civic organization, a religious organization, a fraternal society, an educational institution, or any other association or group of persons acting in concert, that is operating for purposes other than making contributions or expenditures. “Multipurpose organization” does not include a business entity, an individual, or a federal candidate’s authorized committee, as defined in Section 431 of Title 2 of the United States Code, that is registered and filing reports pursuant to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-225).

(b) A multipurpose organization that makes expenditures or contributions and does not qualify as a committee pursuant to subdivision (c) may qualify as an independent expenditure committee or major donor committee if the multipurpose organization satisfies subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 82013.

(c) Except as provided in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (5), a multipurpose organization is a recipient committee within the meaning of subdivision (a) of Section 82013 only under one or more of the following circumstances:

(1) The multipurpose organization is a political committee registered with the Federal Election Commission, except as provided in subdivision (a) of this section, or a political committee registered with another state, and the multipurpose organization makes contributions or expenditures in this state in an amount equal to or greater than the amount identified in subdivision (a) of Section 82013.

(2) The multipurpose organization solicits and receives payments from donors in an amount equal to or greater than the amount identified in subdivision (a) of Section 82013 for the purpose of making contributions or expenditures.

(3) The multipurpose organization accepts payments from donors in an amount equal to or greater than the amount identified in subdivision (a) of Section 82013 subject to a condition, agreement, or understanding with the donor that all or a portion of the payments may be used for making contributions or expenditures.

(4) The multipurpose organization has existing funds from a donor and a subsequent agreement or understanding is reached with the donor that all or a portion of the funds may be used for making contributions or expenditures in an amount equal to or greater than the amount identified in subdivision (a) of Section 82013. The date of the subsequent agreement or understanding is deemed to be the date of receipt of the payment.

(5) The multipurpose organization makes contributions or expenditures totaling more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in a period of 12 months or more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in a period of four consecutive calendar years.

(A) A multipurpose organization shall not qualify as a committee within the meaning of subdivision (a) of Section 82013 pursuant to this paragraph if the multipurpose organization makes contributions or expenditures using only available nondonor funds. A multipurpose organization that makes contributions or expenditures with nondonor funds shall briefly describe the source of the funds used on its major donor or independent expenditure report.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, “nondonor funds” means investment income, including capital gains, or income earned from providing goods, services, or facilities, whether related or unrelated to the multipurpose organization’s program, sale of assets, or other receipts that are not donations.

(d) A multipurpose organization that is a committee pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall comply with the registration and reporting requirements of this chapter, subject to the following:

(1) The multipurpose organization is not required to comply with subdivision (k) of Section 84211 for contributions and expenditures made to influence federal or out-of-state elections, which shall instead be reported as a single expenditure and be described as such on the campaign statement.

(2) A multipurpose organization registered with the Federal Election Commission is not subject to subdivisions (d) and (f) of Section 84211 but shall disclose the total amount of contributions received pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 84211, and shall disclose the multipurpose organization’s name and identification number registered with the Federal Election Commission on the campaign statement.

(e) (1) A multipurpose organization that is a committee pursuant to paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (5) of subdivision (c) shall comply with the registration and reporting requirements of this chapter, subject to the following, except that if the multipurpose organization is the sponsor of a committee as described in subdivision (f) it may report required information on its sponsored committee statement pursuant to subdivision (f):

(A) The multipurpose organization shall register in the calendar year in which it satisfies any of the criteria in subdivision (c). The statement of organization filed pursuant to Section 84101 shall indicate that the organization is filing pursuant to this section as a multipurpose organization and state the organization’s nonprofit tax exempt status, if any. The statement of organization shall also describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities, and describe the organization’s political activities. A multipurpose organization may comply with the requirement to describe the mission or significant activities and political activities by referencing where the organization’s Internal Revenue Service Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax form may be accessed.

(B) Except as provided in this subparagraph, the registration of a multipurpose organization that meets the criteria of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) shall terminate automatically on December 31 of the calendar year in which the multipurpose organization is registered. The multipurpose organization shall not be required to file a semiannual statement pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 84200, unless the multipurpose organization has undisclosed contributions or expenditures to report, in which case termination shall occur automatically upon filing the semiannual statement that is due no later than January 31. After the multipurpose organization’s registration has terminated, the multipurpose organization’s reporting obligations are complete, unless the organization qualifies as a committee for purposes of subdivision (a) of Section 82013 again in the following calendar year pursuant to subdivision (c) of this section. Notwithstanding this subdivision, a multipurpose organization may elect to remain registered as a committee by submitting written notification to the Secretary of State prior to the end of the calendar year.

(C) A multipurpose organization shall report all contributions received that satisfy the criteria of paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of subdivision (c) of this section in the manner required by subdivision (f) of Section 84211, and for the balance of its contributions or expenditures shall further report contributors based on a last in, first out accounting method.

(2) A multipurpose organization reporting pursuant to this subdivision shall disclose total contributions received in an amount equal to the multipurpose organization’s total contributions and expenditures made in the reporting period. When a multipurpose organization reports donors based on the last in, first out accounting method, it shall attribute to and include the information required by subdivision (f) of Section 84211 for any donor who donates one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in a calendar year, except for the following:

(A) A donor who designates or restricts the donation for purposes other than contributions or expenditures.

(B) A donor who prohibits the multipurpose organization’s use of its donation for contributions or expenditures.

(C) A private foundation, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 509 of the Internal Revenue Code, that provides a grant that does not constitute a taxable expenditure for purposes of paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 4945 of the Internal Revenue Code.

(3) A multipurpose organization that qualifies as a committee pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) shall not be required to include contributions or expenditures made in a prior calendar year on the reports filed for the calendar year in which the multipurpose organization qualifies as a committee.

(4) If a multipurpose organization qualifies as a committee solely pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) and the committee is required to report donors based on a last in, first out accounting method pursuant to paragraph (1), the multipurpose organization shall not be required to disclose donor information for a donation received by the multipurpose organization prior to July 1, 2014. This paragraph shall not apply with respect to a donation made by a donor who knew that the multipurpose organization would use the donation to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure in the state by requesting that the donation be used for that purpose or by making the donation in response to a message or solicitation indicating the multipurpose organization’s intent to use the donation for that purpose.

(5) A contributor identified and reported in the manner provided in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) that is a multipurpose organization and receives contributions that satisfy the criteria in subdivision (c) shall be subject to the requirements of this subdivision.

(6) The commission shall adopt regulations establishing notice requirements and reasonable filing deadlines for donors reported as contributors based on the last in, first out accounting method.

(f) A multipurpose organization that is the sponsor of a committee as defined in Section 82048.7, that is a membership organization, that makes all of its contributions and expenditures from funds derived from dues, assessments, fees, and similar payments that do not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per calendar year from a single source, and that elects to report its contributions and expenditures on its sponsored committee’s campaign statement pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) shall report as follows:

(1) The sponsored committee shall report all contributions and expenditures made from the sponsor’s treasury funds on statements and reports filed by the committee. The sponsor shall use a last in, first out accounting method and disclose the information required by subdivision (f) of Section 84211 for any person who pays dues, assessments, fees, or similar payments of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more to the sponsor’s treasury funds in a calendar year and shall disclose all contributions and expenditures made, as required by subdivision (k) of Section 84211, on the sponsored committee’s campaign statements.

(2) The sponsored committee shall report all other contributions and expenditures in support of the committee by the sponsor, its intermediate units, and the members of those entities. A sponsoring organization makes contributions and expenditures in support of its sponsored committee when it provides the committee with money from its treasury funds, with the exception of establishment or administrative costs. With respect to dues, assessments, fees, and similar payments channeled through the sponsor or an intermediate unit to a sponsored committee, the original source of the dues, assessments, fees, and similar payments is the contributor.

(3) A responsible officer of the sponsor, as well as the treasurer of the sponsored committee, shall verify the committee’s campaign statement pursuant to Section 81004.

(g) For purposes of this section, “last in, first out accounting method” means an accounting method by which contributions and expenditures are attributed to the multipurpose organization’s contributors in reverse chronological order beginning with the most recent of its contributors or, if there are any prior contributions or expenditures, beginning with the most recent contributor for which unattributed contributions remain.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 16, Sec. 6. (SB 27) Effective May 14, 2014. Operative July 1, 2014, by Stats. 2014, Ch. 16, Sec. 10. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) For purposes of this title, “multipurpose organization” means an organization described in Sections 501(c)(3) to 501(c)(10), inclusive, of the Internal Revenue Code and that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, a federal or out-of-state political organization, a trade association, a professional association, a civic organization, a religious organization, a fraternal society, an educational institution, or any other association or group of persons acting in concert, that is operating for purposes other than making contributions or expenditures. “Multipurpose organization” does not include a business entity, an individual, or a federal candidate’s authorized committee, as defined in Section 30101 of Title 52 of the United States Code, that is registered and filing reports pursuant to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-225).

(b) A multipurpose organization that makes expenditures or contributions and does not qualify as a committee pursuant to subdivision (c) may qualify as an independent expenditure committee or major donor committee if the multipurpose organization satisfies subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 82013.

(c) Except as provided in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (5), a multipurpose organization is a recipient committee within the meaning of subdivision (a) of Section 82013 only under one or more of the following circumstances:

(1) The multipurpose organization is a political committee registered with the Federal Election Commission, except as provided in subdivision (a) of this section, or a political committee registered with another state, and the multipurpose organization makes contributions or expenditures in this state in an amount equal to or greater than the amount identified in subdivision (a) of Section 82013.

(2) The multipurpose organization solicits and receives payments from donors in an amount equal to or greater than the amount identified in subdivision (a) of Section 82013 for the purpose of making contributions or expenditures.

(3) The multipurpose organization accepts payments from donors in an amount equal to or greater than the amount identified in subdivision (a) of Section 82013 subject to a condition, agreement, or understanding with the donor that all or a portion of the payments may be used for making contributions or expenditures.

(4) The multipurpose organization has existing funds from a donor and a subsequent agreement or understanding is reached with the donor that all or a portion of the funds may be used for making contributions or expenditures in an amount equal to or greater than the amount identified in subdivision (a) of Section 82013. The date of the subsequent agreement or understanding is deemed to be the date of receipt of the payment.

(5) The multipurpose organization makes contributions or expenditures totaling more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in a period of 12 months or more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in a period of four consecutive calendar years.

(A) A multipurpose organization shall not qualify as a committee within the meaning of subdivision (a) of Section 82013 pursuant to this paragraph if the multipurpose organization makes contributions or expenditures using only available nondonor funds. A multipurpose organization that makes contributions or expenditures with nondonor funds shall briefly describe the source of the funds used on its major donor or independent expenditure report.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, “nondonor funds” means investment income, including capital gains, or income earned from providing goods, services, or facilities, whether related or unrelated to the multipurpose organization’s program, sale of assets, or other receipts that are not donations.

(d) A multipurpose organization that is a committee pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall comply with the registration and reporting requirements of this chapter, subject to the following:

(1) The multipurpose organization is not required to comply with subdivision (k) of Section 84211 for contributions and expenditures made to influence federal or out-of-state elections, which shall instead be reported as a single expenditure and be described as such on the campaign report.

(2) A multipurpose organization registered with the Federal Election Commission is not subject to subdivisions (d) and (f) of Section 84211 but shall disclose the total amount of contributions received pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 84211, and shall disclose the multipurpose organization’s name and identification number registered with the Federal Election Commission on the campaign report.

(e) (1) A multipurpose organization that is a committee pursuant to paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (5) of subdivision (c) shall comply with the registration and reporting requirements of this chapter, subject to the following, except that if the multipurpose organization is the sponsor of a committee as described in subdivision (f) it may report required information on its sponsored committee report pursuant to subdivision (f):

(A) The multipurpose organization shall register in the calendar year in which it satisfies any of the criteria in subdivision (c). The registration filed pursuant to Section 84101 shall indicate that the organization is filing pursuant to this section as a multipurpose organization and state the organization’s nonprofit tax exempt status, if any. The registration shall also describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities, and describe the organization’s political activities. A multipurpose organization may comply with the requirement to describe the mission or significant activities and political activities by referencing where the organization’s Internal Revenue Service Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax form may be accessed.

(B) Except as provided in this subparagraph, the registration of a multipurpose organization that meets the criteria of paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) shall terminate automatically on December 31 of the calendar year in which the multipurpose organization is registered. The multipurpose organization shall not be required to file a semiannual report pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 84200, unless the multipurpose organization has undisclosed contributions or expenditures to report, in which case termination shall occur automatically upon filing the semiannual report that is due no later than January 31. After the multipurpose organization’s registration has terminated, the multipurpose organization’s reporting obligations are complete, unless the organization qualifies as a committee for purposes of subdivision (a) of Section 82013 again in the following calendar year pursuant to subdivision (c) of this section. Notwithstanding this subdivision, a multipurpose organization may elect to remain registered as a committee by submitting written notification to the Secretary of State prior to the end of the calendar year.

(C) A multipurpose organization shall report all contributions received that satisfy the criteria of paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of subdivision (c) of this section in the manner required by subdivision (f) of Section 84211, and for the balance of its contributions or expenditures shall further report contributors based on a last in, first out accounting method.

(2) A multipurpose organization reporting pursuant to this subdivision shall disclose total contributions received in an amount equal to the multipurpose organization’s total contributions and expenditures made in the reporting period. When a multipurpose organization reports donors based on the last in, first out accounting method, it shall attribute to and include the information required by subdivision (f) of Section 84211 for any donor who donates one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in a calendar year, except for the following:

(A) A donor who designates or restricts the donation for purposes other than contributions or expenditures.

(B) A donor who prohibits the multipurpose organization’s use of its donation for contributions or expenditures.

(C) A private foundation, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 509 of the Internal Revenue Code, that provides a grant that does not constitute a taxable expenditure for purposes of paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 4945 of the Internal Revenue Code.

(3) A multipurpose organization that qualifies as a committee pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) shall not be required to include contributions or expenditures made in a prior calendar year on the reports filed for the calendar year in which the multipurpose organization qualifies as a committee.

(4) If a multipurpose organization qualifies as a committee solely pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) and the committee is required to report donors based on a last in, first out accounting method pursuant to paragraph (1), the multipurpose organization shall not be required to disclose donor information for a donation received by the multipurpose organization prior to July 1, 2014. This paragraph shall not apply with respect to a donation made by a donor who knew that the multipurpose organization would use the donation to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure in the state by requesting that the donation be used for that purpose or by making the donation in response to a message or solicitation indicating the multipurpose organization’s intent to use the donation for that purpose.

(5) A contributor identified and reported in the manner provided in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) that is a multipurpose organization and receives contributions that satisfy the criteria in subdivision (c) shall be subject to the requirements of this subdivision.

(6) The commission shall adopt regulations establishing notice requirements and reasonable filing deadlines for donors reported as contributors based on the last in, first out accounting method.

(f) A multipurpose organization that is the sponsor of a committee as defined in Section 82048.7, that is a membership organization, that makes all of its contributions and expenditures from funds derived from dues, assessments, fees, and similar payments that do not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per calendar year from a single source, and that elects to report its contributions and expenditures on its sponsored committee’s campaign report pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) shall report as follows:

(1) The sponsored committee shall report all contributions and expenditures made from the sponsor’s treasury funds on reports filed by the committee. The sponsor shall use a last in, first out accounting method and disclose the information required by subdivision (f) of Section 84211 for any person who pays dues, assessments, fees, or similar payments of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more to the sponsor’s treasury funds in a calendar year and shall disclose all contributions and expenditures made, as required by subdivision (k) of Section 84211, on the sponsored committee’s campaign reports.

(2) The sponsored committee shall report all other contributions and expenditures in support of the committee by the sponsor, its intermediate units, and the members of those entities. A sponsoring organization makes contributions and expenditures in support of its sponsored committee when it provides the committee with money from its treasury funds, with the exception of establishment or administrative costs. With respect to dues, assessments, fees, and similar payments channeled through the sponsor or an intermediate unit to a sponsored committee, the original source of the dues, assessments, fees, and similar payments is the contributor.

(3) A responsible officer of the sponsor, as well as the treasurer of the sponsored committee, shall verify the committee’s campaign report pursuant to Section 81004.

(g) For purposes of this section, “last in, first out accounting method” means an accounting method by which contributions and expenditures are attributed to the multipurpose organization’s contributors in reverse chronological order beginning with the most recent of its contributors or, if there are any prior contributions or expenditures, beginning with the most recent contributor for which unattributed contributions remain.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 40. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) A publicly funded nonprofit organization that makes contributions or expenditures, either directly or through the control of another entity, shall establish and deposit into a separate bank account all funds that will be used to make contributions and expenditures, and those contributions and expenditures shall come from that separate bank account.

(b) In addition to subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 84222, a publicly funded nonprofit organization is a recipient committee within the meaning of subdivision (a) of Section 82013 if any of the following occur:

(1) It makes contributions or expenditures totaling fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or more related to statewide candidates or ballot measures or makes contributions or expenditures totaling two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or more related to local candidates or ballot measures, either directly or through the control of another entity, during the prior quarter.

(2) By January 31 of each odd-numbered year, it makes contributions or expenditures totaling one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more related to statewide candidates or ballot measures or makes contributions or expenditures totaling ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more related to local candidates or ballot measures, either directly or through the control of another entity, during the previous two years.

(c) If a publicly funded nonprofit organization qualifies as a recipient committee pursuant to subdivision (b), it shall comply with the registration and reporting requirements of Section 84222.

(d) Each publicly funded nonprofit organization that makes contributions or expenditures, either directly or through the control of another entity, shall provide to the Commission, and display on the organization’s Internet Web site, the information it is required to disclose under this section. The information shall be clearly described and identified on a separate Internet Web page that is linked from the homepage of the organization’s Internet Web site. The link to this Internet Web page from the homepage shall be as visible as all similar links.

(e) The Commission may require an audit of a publicly funded nonprofit organization that is required to provide records to the Commission pursuant to this section. The Commission shall require an audit of any publicly funded nonprofit organization that makes contributions or expenditures in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in a calendar year. The publicly funded nonprofit organization shall provide records to the Commission to substantiate the information required to be disclosed by this section.

(f) If the Commission determines at the conclusion of an audit that a publicly funded nonprofit organization has violated this section, the Commission, the Attorney General, or the district attorney for the county in which the organization is domiciled may impose a civil fine upon the organization in an amount up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation.

(g) The definitions in subdivision (b) of Section 54964.5 apply to this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 825, Sec. 3. (AB 2318) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) A committee primarily formed to support or oppose a state ballot measure or state candidate that raises one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more for an election shall maintain an accurate list of the committee’s top 10 contributors, as specified by Commission regulations. A current list of the top 10 contributors shall be provided to the Commission for disclosure on the Commission’s internet website, as provided in subdivision (c).

(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the list of top 10 contributors shall identify the names of the 10 persons who have made the largest cumulative contributions to the committee, the total amount of each person’s contributions, the city and state of the person, the person’s committee identification number, if any, and any other information deemed necessary by the Commission. If any of the top 10 contributors identified on the list are committees pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 82013, the Commission may require, by regulation, that the list also identify the top 10 contributors to those contributing committees.

(2) (A) A committee primarily formed to support or oppose a state ballot measure shall count the cumulative amount of contributions received by the committee from a person for the period beginning 12 months prior to the date the committee made its first expenditure to qualify, support, or oppose the measure and ending with the current date.

(B) A committee primarily formed to support or oppose a state candidate shall count the cumulative amount of contributions received by the committee from a person for the primary and general elections combined.

(3) The aggregation rules of Section 82015.5 and any implementing regulations adopted by the Commission shall apply in identifying the persons who have made the top 10 cumulative contributions to a committee.

(4) A person who makes contributions to a committee in a cumulative amount of less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) shall not be identified or disclosed as a top 10 contributor to a committee pursuant to this section.

(c) (1) The Commission shall adopt regulations to govern the manner in which the Commission shall display top 10 contributor lists provided by a committee that is subject to this section, and the Commission shall post the top 10 contributor lists on its internet website in the manner prescribed by those regulations. The Commission shall provide the top 10 contributor lists to the Secretary of State, upon the request of the Secretary of State, for the purpose of additionally posting the contributor lists on the Secretary of State’s internet website.

(2) A committee shall provide an updated top 10 contributor list to the Commission when any of the following occurs:

(A) A new person qualifies as a top 10 contributor to the committee.

(B) A person who is an existing top 10 contributor makes additional contributions of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more in the aggregate to the committee.

(C) A change occurs that alters the relative ranking order of the top 10 contributors.

(3) The 10 persons who have made the largest cumulative contributions to a committee shall be listed in order from largest contribution amount to smallest amount. If two or more contributors of identical amounts meet the threshold for inclusion in the list of top 10 contributors, the order of disclosure shall be made beginning with the most recent contributor of that amount.

(4) The Commission shall post or update a top 10 contributor list within five business days or, during the 16 days before the election, within 48 hours of a contributor qualifying for the list or of any change to the list.

(d) In listing the top 10 contributors, a committee shall use reasonable efforts to identify and state the actual individuals or corporations that are the true sources of the contributions made to the committee from other persons or committees.

(e) In addition to any other lists that the Commission is required to post on its internet website, the Commission shall compile, maintain, and display on its internet website a current list of the top 10 contributors supporting and opposing each state ballot measure, as prescribed by Commission regulations.

(f) This section shall remain in effect only until the Secretary of State certifies an online filing and disclosure system pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 84602 of the Government Code, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 312, Sec. 12. (AB 902) Effective January 1, 2020. Repealed conditionally on date prescribed by its own provisions. See later operative version added by Sec. 13 of Stats. 2019, Ch. 312.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) For a committee primarily formed to support or oppose a state ballot measure or state candidate that raises one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more for an election, the Secretary of State shall maintain an accurate list of the committee’s top 10 contributors, as specified by Commission regulations. The list shall be based on the filer’s campaign statements and reports. A current list of the top 10 contributors shall be posted on the Secretary of State’s internet website, as provided in subdivision (c).

(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the list of top 10 contributors shall identify the names of the 10 persons who have made the largest cumulative contributions to the committee, the total amount of each person’s contributions, the city and state of the person, the person’s committee identification number, if any, and any other information deemed necessary by the Commission. If any of the top 10 contributors identified on the list are committees pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 82013, the Commission may require, by regulation, that the list also identify the top 10 contributors to those contributing committees.

(2) (A) For a committee primarily formed to support or oppose a state ballot measure, the cumulative amount of contributions received by the committee from a person for the period beginning 12 months prior to the date the committee made its first expenditure to qualify, support, or oppose the measure and ending with the current date shall be counted.

(B) For a committee primarily formed to support or oppose a state candidate, the cumulative amount of contributions received by the committee from a person for the primary and general elections combined shall be counted.

(3) The aggregation rules of Section 82015.5 and any implementing regulations adopted by the Commission shall apply in identifying the persons who have made the top 10 cumulative contributions to a committee.

(4) A person who makes contributions to a committee in a cumulative amount of less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) shall not be identified or disclosed as a top 10 contributor to a committee pursuant to this section.

(c) (1) The Commission shall adopt regulations to govern the manner in which the Secretary of State shall display top 10 contributor lists maintained for a committee that is subject to this section, and the Secretary of State shall post the top 10 contributor lists on its internet website in the manner prescribed by those regulations.

(2) A committee’s top 10 contributor list shall be updated when any of the following occurs:

(A) A new person qualifies as a top 10 contributor to the committee.

(B) A person who is an existing top 10 contributor makes additional contributions to the committee.

(C) A change occurs that alters the relative ranking order of the top 10 contributors.

(3) The 10 persons who have made the largest cumulative contributions to a committee shall be listed in order from largest contribution amount to smallest amount. If two or more contributors of identical amounts meet the threshold for inclusion in the list of top 10 contributors, the order of disclosure shall be made beginning with the most recent contributor of that amount.

(4) The Secretary of State shall post or update a top 10 contributor list within five business days or, during the 16 days before the election, within 48 hours of receiving data of a contributor qualifying for the list or of any change to the list.

(d) In addition to any other lists that the Secretary of State is required to post on its internet website, the Secretary of State shall compile, maintain, and display on its internet website a current list of the top 10 contributors supporting and opposing each state ballot measure, as prescribed by Commission regulations.

(e) This section shall not become operative until the Secretary of State certifies an online filing and disclosure system pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 84602 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 12) and added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 312, Sec. 13. (AB 902) Effective January 1, 2020. Section conditionally operative as prescribed by its own provisions. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) For a committee primarily formed to support or oppose a state ballot measure or state candidate that raises one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more for an election, the Secretary of State shall maintain an accurate list of the committee’s top 10 contributors, as specified by Commission regulations. The list shall be based on the filer’s campaign reports. A current list of the top 10 contributors shall be posted on the Secretary of State’s internet website, as provided in subdivision (c).

(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the list of top 10 contributors shall identify the names of the 10 persons who have made the largest cumulative contributions to the committee, the total amount of each person’s contributions, the city and state of the person, the person’s committee identification number, if any, and any other information deemed necessary by the Commission. If any of the top 10 contributors identified on the list are committees pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 82013, the Commission may require, by regulation, that the list also identify the top 10 contributors to those contributing committees.

(2) (A) For a committee primarily formed to support or oppose a state ballot measure, the cumulative amount of contributions received by the committee from a person for the period beginning 12 months prior to the date the committee made its first expenditure to qualify, support, or oppose the measure and ending with the current date shall be counted.

(B) For a committee primarily formed to support or oppose a state candidate, the cumulative amount of contributions received by the committee from a person for the primary and general elections combined shall be counted.

(3) The aggregation rules of Section 82015.5 and any implementing regulations adopted by the Commission shall apply in identifying the persons who have made the top 10 cumulative contributions to a committee.

(4) A person who makes contributions to a committee in a cumulative amount of less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) shall not be identified or disclosed as a top 10 contributor to a committee pursuant to this section.

(c) (1) The Commission shall adopt regulations to govern the manner in which the Secretary of State shall display top 10 contributor lists maintained for a committee that is subject to this section, and the Secretary of State shall post the top 10 contributor lists on its internet website in the manner prescribed by those regulations.

(2) A committee’s top 10 contributor list shall be updated when any of the following occurs:

(A) A new person qualifies as a top 10 contributor to the committee.

(B) A person who is an existing top 10 contributor makes additional contributions to the committee.

(C) A change occurs that alters the relative ranking order of the top 10 contributors.

(3) The 10 persons who have made the largest cumulative contributions to a committee shall be listed in order from largest contribution amount to smallest amount. If two or more contributors of identical amounts meet the threshold for inclusion in the list of top 10 contributors, the order of disclosure shall be made beginning with the most recent contributor of that amount.

(4) The Secretary of State shall post or update a top 10 contributor list within five business days or, during the 16 days before the election, within 48 hours of receiving data of a contributor qualifying for the list or of any change to the list.

(d) In addition to any other lists that the Secretary of State is required to post on its internet website, the Secretary of State shall compile, maintain, and display on its internet website a current list of the top 10 contributors supporting and opposing each state ballot measure, as prescribed by Commission regulations.

(e) This section shall not become operative until the Secretary of State certifies an online filing and disclosure system pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 84602 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 312, Sec. 13) by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 41. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) A behested payment described in subdivision (b) shall be reported within 30 days following the date on which the payment or payments equal or exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) in the aggregate from the same source in the same calendar year in which they are made. The report shall be filed by the behesting officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission with the officer’s or member’s agency and is a public record subject to inspection and copying pursuant to Section 81008. The report shall contain all of the following information: name of payor; address of payor; amount of the payment or payments; date or dates the payment or payments were made; the name and address of the payee; a brief description of the goods or services provided or purchased, if any; and a description of the specific purpose or event for which the payment or payments were made. Once the five-thousand-dollar ($5,000) aggregate threshold from a single source has been reached for a calendar year, all payments for the calendar year made by that source shall be disclosed within 30 days after the date the threshold was reached or the payment was made, whichever occurs later. Within 30 days after receipt of the report, state agencies, including the Public Utilities Commission, shall forward a copy of these reports to the Fair Political Practices Commission, and local agencies shall forward a copy of these reports to the officer with whom elected officers of that agency file their campaign statements.

(b) The reporting requirement imposed by this section applies to a behested payment that satisfies each of the following:

(1) The payment is made at the behest of an elected officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission.

(2) The behesting elected officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission does not provide full and adequate consideration in exchange for the payment.

(3) The payment is made principally for a legislative, governmental, or charitable purpose.

(4) If made principally for a legislative or governmental purpose, the payment is made by a person other than a state, local, or federal governmental agency.

(c) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a report is not required if the payment results from an officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission making a public appeal for payment by any of the following means:

(A) Television.

(B) Radio.

(C) Billboard.

(D) A public message on an online platform.

(E) A public speech, unless the speech is given at an event that the officer or member knows is being held for the purpose of raising funds for the recipient organization and any of the following apply:

(i) The officer or member consents in advance to be a speaker.

(ii) The officer or member consents to be featured in a solicitation.

(iii) The officer or member publicly solicits contributions to the recipient organization.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply if either of the following conditions is satisfied:

(A) The payee organization is not a governmental agency and the elected officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission knows that they, or a member of their immediate family, campaign staff, or officeholder staff, holds a position, including any of the following, with that payee organization:

(i) Any position with decisionmaking capacity within the organization, such as a board member or executive officer position.

(ii) Salaried employment at the organization.

(iii) Status as a founding member of the organization.

(iv) A position on an honorary or advisory board of the organization.

(B) The behesting officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission knows, within two years of the payment, that a specific payment was made in response to the officer or member’s public appeal.

(3) If an officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission does not know at the time that a payment was made in response to their public appeal, the deadline described in subdivision (a) shall commence on the date that the officer or member first learns that the payment was made in response to that public appeal.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 551, Sec. 1. (SB 760) Effective January 1, 2026. Superseded pursuant to Sec. 2 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 551; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 551.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) A behested payment described in subdivision (b) shall be reported within 30 days following the date on which the payment or payments equal or exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) in the aggregate from the same source in the same calendar year in which they are made. The report shall be filed by the behesting officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission with the officer’s or member’s agency and is a public record subject to inspection and copying pursuant to Section 81008. The report shall contain all of the following information: name of payor; address of payor; amount of the payment or payments; date or dates the payment or payments were made; the name and address of the payee; a brief description of the goods or services provided or purchased, if any; and a description of the specific purpose or event for which the payment or payments were made. Once the five-thousand-dollar ($5,000) aggregate threshold from a single source has been reached for a calendar year, all payments for the calendar year made by that source shall be disclosed within 30 days after the date the threshold was reached or the payment was made, whichever occurs later. Within 30 days after receipt of the report, state agencies, including the Public Utilities Commission, shall forward a copy of these reports to the Fair Political Practices Commission, and local agencies shall forward a copy of these reports to the officer with whom elected officers of that agency file their campaign reports.

(b) The reporting requirement imposed by this section applies to a behested payment that satisfies each of the following:

(1) The payment is made at the behest of an elected officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission.

(2) The behesting elected officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission does not provide full and adequate consideration in exchange for the payment.

(3) The payment is made principally for a legislative, governmental, or charitable purpose.

(4) If made principally for a legislative or governmental purpose, the payment is made by a person other than a state, local, or federal governmental agency.

(c) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a report is not required if the payment results from an officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission making a public appeal for payment by any of the following means:

(A) Television.

(B) Radio.

(C) Billboard.

(D) A public message on an online platform.

(E) A public speech, unless the speech is given at an event that the officer or member knows is being held for the purpose of raising funds for the recipient organization and any of the following apply:

(i) The officer or member consents in advance to be a speaker.

(ii) The officer or member consents to be featured in a solicitation.

(iii) The officer or member publicly solicits contributions to the recipient organization.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply if either of the following conditions is satisfied:

(A) The payee organization is not a governmental agency and the elected officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission knows that they, or a member of their immediate family, campaign staff, or officeholder staff, holds a position, including any of the following, with that payee organization:

(i) Any position with decisionmaking capacity within the organization, such as a board member or executive officer position.

(ii) Salaried employment at the organization.

(iii) Status as a founding member of the organization.

(iv) A position on an honorary or advisory board of the organization.

(B) The behesting officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission knows, within two years of the payment, that a specific payment was made in response to the officer or member’s public appeal.

(3) If an officer or member of the Public Utilities Commission does not know at the time that a payment was made in response to their public appeal, the deadline described in subdivision (a) shall commence on the date that the officer or member first learns that the payment was made in response to that public appeal.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 551, Sec. 1.5. (SB 760) Effective January 1, 2026. Operative pursuant to Sec. 2 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 551.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text: The provisions of this title apply to candidates for election to the Board of Administration of the Public Employees’ Retirement System or the Teachers’ Retirement Board, and to committees formed or existing primarily to support or oppose those candidates. The Commission may adopt regulations to tailor the reporting and disclosure requirements for these candidates and committees consistent with the purposes and provisions of this title.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 633, Sec. 10. (SB 1007) Effective January 1, 2011.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) This section applies to any elected local government officer or candidate for elective local government office who meets both of the following criteria:

(1) The officer or candidate is required to file a statement, report, or other document required by this chapter, with their local filing officer or otherwise, but whose filing requirements do not include filing with the Secretary of State.

(2) The officer or candidate has received campaign contributions to support their candidacy for office in an upcoming election that equal or exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).

(b) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and subject to paragraph (2) of this subdivision and subdivisions (c) and (d), an elected local government officer or candidate for elective local government office specified in subdivision (a) shall, in addition to filing with any other person required by this title, file a copy of a statement, report, or other document specified in Section 84200, 84200.5, 84203, or 84204 online or electronically with the Secretary of State through the online filing and disclosure system specified in subdivision (b) of Section 84602.

(2) An elected local government officer or candidate for elective local government office specified in subdivision (a) is required to file a copy of a statement, report, or other document online or electronically with the Secretary of State pursuant to paragraph (1) only if the persons specified in subdivisions (a) and (e) of Section 84215 are also required to file that same category of statement, report, or other document online or electronically with the Secretary of State.

(c) By the first January 1st after the date the Secretary of State certifies an online filing and disclosure system pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 84602, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Legislature in compliance with Section 9795 that specifies the changes to that system, if any, that are required to accommodate filings by local officers and candidates pursuant to this section. The report shall include a date by which the Secretary of State expects to certify that those changes have been made. In preparing this report, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Fair Political Practices Commission and the Department of Technology.

(d) Subdivisions (a) and (b) shall become operative on the first January 1st after the date the Secretary of State certifies that the changes specified in the report described in subdivision (c) have been made.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 500, Sec. 1. (AB 2528) Effective January 1, 2023. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text:
(a) This section applies to any elected local government officer or candidate for elective local government office who meets both of the following criteria:

(1) The officer or candidate is required to file a report or other document required by this chapter, with their local filing officer or otherwise, but whose filing requirements do not include filing with the Secretary of State.

(2) The officer or candidate has received campaign contributions to support their candidacy for office in an upcoming election that equal or exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).

(b) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and subject to paragraph (2) of this subdivision and subdivisions (c) and (d), an elected local government officer or candidate for elective local government office specified in subdivision (a) shall, in addition to filing with any other person required by this title, file a copy of a report or other document specified in Section 84200, 84200.5, 84203, or 84204 online or electronically with the Secretary of State through the online filing and disclosure system specified in subdivision (b) of Section 84602.

(2) An elected local government officer or candidate for elective local government office specified in subdivision (a) is required to file a copy of a report or other document online or electronically with the Secretary of State pursuant to paragraph (1) only if the persons specified in subdivisions (a) and (e) of Section 84215 are also required to file that same category of report or other document online or electronically with the Secretary of State.

(c) By the first January 1st after the date the Secretary of State certifies an online filing and disclosure system pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 84602, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Legislature in compliance with Section 9795 that specifies the changes to that system, if any, that are required to accommodate filings by local officers and candidates pursuant to this section. The report shall include a date by which the Secretary of State expects to certify that those changes have been made. In preparing this report, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Fair Political Practices Commission and the Department of Technology.

(d) Subdivisions (a) and (b) shall become operative on the first January 1st after the date the Secretary of State certifies that the changes specified in the report described in subdivision (c) have been made.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 43. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Filing of Campaign Statements


text: All requirements of this title applicable to a measure, as defined in Section 82043, also apply to a LAFCO proposal, as defined in Section 82035.5, except as set forth in Section 84252.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 192, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2.5. LAFCO Proposal Requirements

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 4. Campaign Disclosure > 2.5. LAFCO Proposal Requirements


text: A payment made for “political purposes,” as that term is used in Sections 82015 and 82025, includes a payment made for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence the actions of voters or a local agency formation commission for or against the qualification, adoption, or passage of a LAFCO proposal.

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2.5. LAFCO Proposal Requirements


text: A committee primarily formed to support or oppose a LAFCO proposal shall file all statements required under this chapter except that, in lieu of the statements required by Sections 84200 and 84202.3, the committee shall file monthly campaign statements from the time circulation of a petition begins until a measure is placed on the ballot or, if a measure is not placed on the ballot, until the committee is terminated pursuant to Section 84214. The committee shall file an original and one copy of each statement on the 15th day of each calendar month, covering the prior calendar month, with the clerk of the county in which the measure may be voted on. If the petition results in a measure that is placed on the ballot, the committee thereafter shall file campaign statements required by this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 315, Sec. 7. (AB 946) Effective January 1, 2020. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2.5. LAFCO Proposal Requirements


text: A committee primarily formed to support or oppose a LAFCO proposal shall file all reports required under this chapter except that, in lieu of the reports required by Sections 84200 and 84202.3, the committee shall file monthly campaign reports from the time circulation of a petition begins until a measure is placed on the ballot or, if a measure is not placed on the ballot, until the committee is terminated pursuant to Section 84214. The committee shall file an original and one copy of each report on the 15th day of each calendar month, covering the prior calendar month, with the clerk of the county in which the measure may be voted on. If the petition results in a measure that is placed on the ballot, the committee thereafter shall file campaign reports required by this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 44. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2.5. LAFCO Proposal Requirements


text:
(a) No contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more shall be made or received in cash.

A cash contribution shall not be deemed received if it is not negotiated or deposited and is returned to the contributor before the closing date of the campaign statement on which the contribution would otherwise be reported. If a cash contribution, other than a late contribution, as defined in Section 82036, is negotiated or deposited, it shall not be deemed received if it is refunded within 72 hours of receipt. In the case of a late contribution, as defined in Section 82036, it shall not be deemed received if it is returned to the contributor within 48 hours of receipt.

(b) No expenditure of one hundred dollars ($100) or more shall be made in cash.

(c) No contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more other than an in-kind contribution shall be made unless in the form of a written instrument containing the name of the donor and the name of the payee and drawn from the account of the donor or the intermediary, as defined in Section 84302.

(d) The value of all in-kind contributions of one hundred dollars ($100) or more shall be reported in writing to the recipient upon the request in writing of the recipient.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 898, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 4. Campaign Disclosure > 3. Prohibitions


text:
(a) No contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more shall be made or received in cash.

A cash contribution shall not be deemed received if it is not negotiated or deposited and is returned to the contributor before the closing date of the campaign report on which the contribution would otherwise be reported. If a cash contribution, other than a late contribution, as defined in Section 82036, is negotiated or deposited, it shall not be deemed received if it is refunded within 72 hours of receipt. In the case of a late contribution, as defined in Section 82036, it shall not be deemed received if it is returned to the contributor within 48 hours of receipt.

(b) No expenditure of one hundred dollars ($100) or more shall be made in cash.

(c) No contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more other than an in-kind contribution shall be made unless in the form of a written instrument containing the name of the donor and the name of the payee and drawn from the account of the donor or the intermediary, as defined in Section 84302.

(d) The value of all in-kind contributions of one hundred dollars ($100) or more shall be reported in writing to the recipient upon the request in writing of the recipient.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 45. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions


text: No contribution shall be made, directly or indirectly, by any person in a name other than the name by which such person is identified for legal purposes.

history: (History: Added June 4, 1974, by initiative Proposition 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions


text: A person shall not make a contribution on behalf of another, or while acting as the intermediary or agent of another, without disclosing to the recipient of the contribution both that person’s own full name and street address, occupation, and the name of that person’s employer, if any, or that person’s principal place of business if that person is self-employed, and the full name and street address, occupation, and the name of employer, if any, or principal place of business if self-employed, of the other person for whom the contribution is made. The recipient of the contribution shall include in the recipient’s campaign statement the full name and street address, occupation, and the name of the employer, if any, or the principal place of business if self-employed, of both the intermediary and the contributor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 168. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions


text: A person shall not make a contribution on behalf of another, or while acting as the intermediary or agent of another, without disclosing to the recipient of the contribution both that person’s own full name and street address, occupation, and the name of that person’s employer, if any, or that person’s principal place of business if that person is self-employed, and the full name and street address, occupation, and the name of employer, if any, or principal place of business if self-employed, of the other person for whom the contribution is made. The recipient of the contribution shall include in the recipient’s campaign report the full name and street address, occupation, and the name of the employer, if any, or the principal place of business if self-employed, of both the intermediary and the contributor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 46. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions


text:
(a) An expenditure of five hundred dollars ($500) or more shall not be made, other than for overhead or normal operating expenses, by an agent or independent contractor, including, but not limited to, an advertising agency, on behalf of or for the benefit of a candidate or committee unless it is reported by the candidate or committee as if the expenditure were made directly by the candidate or committee.

(b) A subagent or subcontractor who provides goods or services to or for the benefit of a candidate or committee shall make known to the agent or independent contractor all of the information required to be reported by this section, and the agent or independent contractor shall then make known to the candidate or committee all of the information required to be reported by this section no later than three working days prior to the time the campaign statement reporting the expenditure is required to be filed, except that an expenditure that is required to be reported by Section 84203 or 84204 shall be reported to the candidate or committee within 24 hours of the time that it is made.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 9, Sec. 2. (AB 800) Effective April 3, 2014. Operative July 1, 2014, by Sec. 11 of Ch. 9. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions


text:
(a) An expenditure of five hundred dollars ($500) or more shall not be made, other than for overhead or normal operating expenses, by an agent or independent contractor, including, but not limited to, an advertising agency, on behalf of or for the benefit of a candidate or committee unless it is reported by the candidate or committee as if the expenditure were made directly by the candidate or committee.

(b) A subagent or subcontractor who provides goods or services to or for the benefit of a candidate or committee shall make known to the agent or independent contractor all of the information required to be reported by this section, and the agent or independent contractor shall then make known to the candidate or committee all of the information required to be reported by this section no later than three working days prior to the time the campaign report reporting the expenditure is required to be filed, except that an expenditure that is required to be reported by Section 84203 or 84204 shall be reported to the candidate or committee within 24 hours of the time that it is made.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 47. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions


text: No person shall make an anonymous contribution or contributions to a candidate, committee or any other person totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more in a calendar year. An anonymous contribution of one hundred dollars ($100) or more shall not be kept by the intended recipient but instead shall be promptly paid to the Secretary of State for deposit in the General Fund of the state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 650. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions


text:
(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a candidate, candidate controlled committee established for an elective office for the controlling candidate, or political party committee shall not send a mass mailing unless the name, street address, and city of the candidate or committee are shown on the outside of each piece of mail in the mass mailing and on at least one of the inserts included within each piece of mail of the mailing in no less than 6-point type that is in a color or print that contrasts with the background so as to be easily legible. A post office box may be stated in lieu of a street address if the candidate’s, candidate controlled committee established for an elective office for the controlling candidate’s, or political party committee’s address is a matter of public record with the Secretary of State.

(2) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a committee, other than a candidate controlled committee established for an elective office for the controlling candidate or a political party committee, shall not send a mass mailing that is not required to include a disclosure pursuant to Section 84504.2 unless the name, street address, and city of the committee is shown on the outside of each piece of mail in the mass mailing and on at least one of the inserts included within each piece of mail of the mailing in no less than 6-point type that is in a color or print that contrasts with the background so as to be easily legible. A post office box may be stated in lieu of a street address if the committee’s address is a matter of public record with the Secretary of State.

(b) If the sender of the mass mailing is a single candidate or committee, the name, street address, and city of the candidate or committee need only be shown on the outside of each piece of mail.

(c) (1) A candidate, candidate controlled committee established for an elective office for the controlling candidate, or political party committee shall not send a mass electronic mailing unless the name of the candidate or committee is shown in the electronic mailing preceded by the words “Paid for by” in at least the same size font as a majority of the text in the electronic mailing.

(2) A committee, other than a candidate controlled committee established for an elective office for the controlling candidate or a political party committee, shall not send a mass electronic mailing that is not required to include a disclosure pursuant to Section 84502 or 84504.3 unless the name of the committee is shown in the electronic mailing preceded by the words “Paid for by” in at least the same size font as a majority of the text in the electronic mailing.

(d) If the sender of a mass mailing is a controlled committee, the name of the person controlling the committee shall be included in addition to the information required by subdivision (a) or (c).

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

(1) “Mass electronic mailing” means sending more than 200 substantially similar pieces of electronic mail within a calendar month. “Mass electronic mailing” does not include a communication that was solicited by the recipient, including, but not limited to, acknowledgments for contributions or information that the recipient communicated to the organization.

(2) “Sender” means the candidate, candidate controlled committee established for an elective office for the controlling candidate, or political party committee who pays for the largest portion of expenditures attributable to the designing, printing, and posting of the mailing which are reportable pursuant to Sections 84200 to 84216.5, inclusive.

(3) To “pay for” a share of the cost of a mass mailing means to make, to promise to make, or to incur an obligation to make, any payment: (A) to any person for the design, printing, postage, materials, or other costs of the mailing, including salaries, fees, or commissions, or (B) as a fee or other consideration for an endorsement or, in the case of a ballot measure, support or opposition, in the mailing.

(f) This section does not apply to a mass mailing or mass electronic mailing that is paid for by an independent expenditure.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 558, Sec. 1. (AB 864) Effective January 1, 2020. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions


text:
(a) No slate mailer organization or committee primarily formed to support or oppose one or more ballot measures shall send a slate mailer unless:

(1) The name, street address, and city of the slate mailer organization or committee primarily formed to support or oppose one or more ballot measures are shown on the outside of each piece of slate mail and on at least one of the inserts included with each piece of slate mail in no less than 8-point roman type which shall be in a color or print which contrasts with the background so as to be easily legible. A post office box may be stated in lieu of a street address if the street address of the slate mailer organization or the committee primarily formed to support or oppose one or more ballot measure is a matter of public record with the Secretary of State’s Political Reform Division.

(2) At the top or bottom of the front side or surface of at least one insert or at the top or bottom of one side or surface of a postcard or other self-mailer, there is a notice in at least 8-point roman boldface type, which shall be in a color or print which contrasts with the background so as to be easily legible, and in a printed or drawn box and set apart from any other printed matter. The notice shall consist of the following statement:NOTICE TO VOTERSTHIS DOCUMENT WAS PREPARED BY (name of slate mailer organization or committee primarily formed to support or oppose one or more ballot measures), NOT AN OFFICIAL POLITICAL PARTY ORGANIZATION. Appearance in this mailer does not necessarily imply endorsement of others appearing in this mailer, nor does it imply endorsement of, or opposition to, any issues set forth in this mailer. Appearance is paid for and authorized by each candidate and ballot measure which is designated by an *.(3) The name, street address, and city of the slate mailer organization or committee primarily formed to support or oppose one or more ballot measures as required by paragraph (1) and the notice required by paragraph (2) may appear on the same side or surface of an insert.

(4) Each candidate and each ballot measure that has paid to appear in the slate mailer is designated by an *. Any candidate or ballot measure that has not paid to appear in the slate mailer is not designated by an *.

The * required by this subdivision shall be of the same type size, type style, color or contrast, and legibility as is used for the name of the candidate or the ballot measure name or number and position advocated to which the * designation applies except that in no case shall the * be required to be larger than 10-point boldface type. The designation shall immediately follow the name of the candidate, or the name or number and position advocated on the ballot measure where the designation appears in the slate of candidates and measures. If there is no slate listing, the designation shall appear at least once in at least 8-point boldface type, immediately following the name of the candidate, or the name or number and position advocated on the ballot measure.

(5) The name of any candidate appearing in the slate mailer who is a member of a political party differing from the political party which the mailer appears by representation or indicia to represent is accompanied, immediately below the name, by the party designation of the candidate, in no less than 9-point roman type which shall be in a color or print that contrasts with the background so as to be easily legible. The designation shall not be required in the case of candidates for nonpartisan office.

(b) For purposes of the designations required by paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), the payment of any sum made reportable by subdivision (c) of Section 84219 by or at the behest of a candidate or committee, whose name or position appears in the mailer, to the slate mailer organization or committee primarily formed to support or oppose one or more ballot measures, shall constitute a payment to appear, requiring the * designation. The payment shall also be deemed to constitute authorization to appear in the mailer.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 478, Sec. 9. Effective September 10, 2004.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Prohibitions