text:
(a) A member of the Board of Administration of the Public Employees’ Retirement System, an individual in a position designated in subdivision (a) or (e) of Section 20098, or an information technology or health benefits manager with a career executive assignment designation with the Public Employees’ Retirement System, for a period of four years after leaving that office or position, shall not, for compensation, act as an agent or attorney for, or otherwise represent, any other person, except the state, by making a formal or informal appearance before, or an oral or written communication to, the Public Employees’ Retirement System, or an officer or employee thereof, if the appearance or communication is made for the purpose of influencing administrative or legislative action, or influencing an action or proceeding involving the issuance, amendment, awarding, or revocation of a permit, license, grant, or contract, or the sale or purchase of goods or property.

(b) A member of the Teachers’ Retirement Board, an individual in a position designated in subdivision (a) or (d) of Section 22212.5 of the Education Code, or an information technology manager with a career executive assignment designation with the State Teachers’ Retirement System, for a period of four years after leaving that office or position, shall not, for compensation, act as an agent or attorney for, or otherwise represent, any other person, except the state, by making a formal or informal appearance before, or an oral or written communication to, the State Teachers’ Retirement System, or an officer or employee thereof, if the appearance or communication is made for the purpose of influencing administrative or legislative action, or influencing an action or proceeding involving the issuance, amendment, awarding, or revocation of a permit, license, grant, or contract, or the sale or purchase of goods or property.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 551, Sec. 1. (AB 873) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


kind: section

code: GOV

text:
(a) A member of the Board of Administration of the Public Employees’ Retirement System, an individual in a position designated in subdivision (a) or (e) of Section 20098, or an information technology or health benefits manager with a career executive assignment designation with the Public Employees’ Retirement System, for a period of two years after leaving that office or position, shall not, for compensation, aid, advise, consult with, or assist a business entity in obtaining the award of, or in negotiating, a contract or contract amendment with the Public Employees’ Retirement System.

(b) A member of the Teachers’ Retirement Board, an individual in a position designated in subdivision (a) or (d) of Section 22212.5 of the Education Code, or an information technology manager with a career executive assignment designation with the State Teachers’ Retirement System, for a period of two years after leaving that office or position, shall not, for compensation, aid, advise, consult with, or assist a business entity in obtaining the award of, or in negotiating, a contract or contract amendment with the State Teachers’ Retirement System.

(c) For purposes of this section, “business entity” has the same meaning as set forth in Section 82005, and includes a parent or subsidiary of a business entity.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 551, Sec. 2. (AB 873) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

chapter: 7. Conflicts of Interest

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 7. Conflicts of Interest > 4. Disqualification of Former Officers and Employees


text:
(a) A member of the Board of Administration of the Public Employees’ Retirement System or an individual in a position designated in subdivision (a) or (e) of Section 20098, for a period of 10 years after leaving that office or position, shall not accept compensation for providing services as a placement agent in connection with investments or other business of the Public Employees’ Retirement System or the State Teachers’ Retirement System.

(b) A member of the Teachers’ Retirement Board or an individual in a position designated in subdivision (a) or (d) of Section 22212.5 of the Education Code, for a period of 10 years after leaving that office or position, shall not accept compensation for providing services as a placement agent in connection with investments or other business of the State Teachers’ Retirement System or the Public Employees’ Retirement System.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 551, Sec. 3. (AB 873) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Disqualification of Former Officers and Employees


text:
(a) In addition to the provisions of Article 1 (commencing with Section 87100), a state administrative official shall not make, participate in making, or use the official’s official position to influence any governmental decision directly relating to any contract where the state administrative official knows or has reason to know that any party to the contract is a person with whom the state administrative official, or any member of the official’s immediate family, has engaged in any business transaction or transactions on terms not available to members of the public, regarding any investment or interest in real property, or the rendering of goods or services totaling in value one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more within 12 months prior to the time the official action is to be performed.

(b) As used in subdivision (a), “state administrative official” has the same meaning as defined in Section 87400.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 215. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 7. Conflicts of Interest > 4.5. Disqualification of State Officers and Employees


text:
(a) An elected officer of a state or local government agency shall not, from the date of the elected officer’s election to office through the date that the elected officer vacates office, receive a personal loan from any officer, employee, member, or consultant of the state or local government agency in which the elected officer holds office or over which the elected officer’s agency has direction and control.

(b) A public official who is required to file a statement of economic interests pursuant to Section 87200 or a public official who is exempt from the state civil service system pursuant to subdivisions (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of Section 4 of Article VII of the Constitution shall not, while the public official holds office, receive a personal loan from any officer, employee, member, or consultant of the state or local government agency in which the public official holds office or over which the public official’s agency has direction and control. This subdivision does not apply to loans made to a public official whose duties are solely secretarial, clerical, or manual.

(c) An elected officer of a state or local government agency shall not, from the date of the elected officer’s election to office through the date that the elected officer vacates office, receive a personal loan from any person who has a contract with the state or local government agency to which that elected officer has been elected or over which that elected officer’s agency has direction and control. This subdivision does not apply to loans made by banks or other financial institutions or to any indebtedness created as part of a retail installment or credit card transaction, if the loan is made or the indebtedness created in the lender’s regular course of business on terms available to members of the public without regard to the elected officer’s official status.

(d) A public official who is required to file a statement of economic interests pursuant to Section 87200 or a public official who is exempt from the state civil service system pursuant to subdivisions (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of Section 4 of Article VII of the Constitution shall not, while the public official holds office, receive a personal loan from any person who has a contract with the state or local government agency to which that elected officer has been elected or over which that elected officer’s agency has direction and control. This subdivision does not apply to loans made by banks or other financial institutions or to any indebtedness created as part of a retail installment or credit card transaction, if the loan is made or the indebtedness created in the lender’s regular course of business on terms available to members of the public without regard to the elected officer’s official status. This subdivision does not apply to loans made to a public official whose duties are solely secretarial, clerical, or manual.

(e) This section does not apply to the following:

(1) Loans made to the campaign committee of an elected officer or candidate for elective office.

(2) Loans made by a public official’s spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, parent-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, or first cousin, or the spouse of any such persons, provided that the person making the loan is not acting as an agent or intermediary for any person not otherwise exempted under this section.

(3) Loans from a person which, in the aggregate, do not exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) at any given time.

(4) Loans made, or offered in writing, before the operative date of this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 216. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4.6. Loans to Public Officials

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 7. Conflicts of Interest > 4.6. Loans to Public Officials


text:
(a) Except as set forth in subdivision (b), an elected officer of a state or local government agency shall not, from the date of the elected officer’s election to office through the date the elected officer vacates office, receive a personal loan of five hundred dollars ($500) or more, except when the loan is in writing and clearly states the terms of the loan, including the parties to the loan agreement, date of the loan, amount of the loan, term of the loan, date or dates when payments shall be due on the loan and the amount of the payments, and the rate of interest paid on the loan.

(b) This section does not apply to the following types of loans:

(1) Loans made to the campaign committee of the elected officer.

(2) Loans made to the elected officer by the elected officer’s spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, parent-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, or first cousin, or the spouse of any such person, provided that the person making the loan is not acting as an agent or intermediary for any person not otherwise exempted under this section.

(3) Loans made, or offered in writing, before the operative date of this section.

(c) Nothing in this section shall exempt any person from any other provisions of this title.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 217. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4.6. Loans to Public Officials


text:
(a) Except as set forth in subdivision (b), a personal loan shall become a gift to the debtor for the purposes of this title in the following circumstances:

(1) If the loan has a defined date or dates for repayment, when the statute of limitations for filing an action for default has expired.

(2) If the loan has no defined date or dates for repayment, when one year has elapsed from the later of the following:

(A) The date the loan was made.

(B) The date the last payment of one hundred dollars ($100) or more was made on the loan.

(C) The date upon which the debtor has made payments on the loan aggregating to less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) during the previous 12 months.

(b) This section shall not apply to the following types of loans:

(1) A loan made to the campaign committee of an elected officer or a candidate for elective office.

(2) A loan that would otherwise not be a gift as defined in this title.

(3) A loan that would otherwise be a gift as set forth under paragraph (a), but on which the creditor has taken reasonable action to collect the balance due.

(4) A loan that would otherwise be a gift as set forth under paragraph (a), but on which the creditor, based on reasonable business considerations, has not undertaken collection action. Except in a criminal action, a creditor who claims that a loan is not a gift on the basis of this paragraph has the burden of proving that the decision for not taking collection action was based on reasonable business considerations.

(5) A loan made to a debtor who has filed for bankruptcy and the loan is ultimately discharged in bankruptcy.

(c) Nothing in this section shall exempt any person from any other provisions of this title.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 638, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1998.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4.6. Loans to Public Officials


text:
(a) (1) A statement of economic interests filed by a public official, for whom the Commission is the filing officer, shall be filed with the Commission using the Commission’s electronic filing system.

(2) The Commission shall be the filing officer for statements of economic interests filed by all of the following:

(A) A statewide elected officer or candidate for statewide elective office.

(B) A member of, or candidate for, the Legislature or State Board of Equalization.

(C) A member of the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, or California Coastal Commission.

(D) A member of a state licensing or regulatory board, bureau, or commission.

(E) A person appointed to a state board, commission, or similar multimember body of the state if the Commission has been designated as the filing officer in the conflict of interest code of the respective board, commission, or body.

(F) A person holding, or candidate for, the office of district attorney, county counsel, county treasurer, or county board of supervisors.

(G) A city manager or, if there is no city manager, the chief administrative officer.

(H) A person holding, or candidate for, the office of city council member, city treasurer, city attorney, or mayor.

(I) A county planning commissioner or city planning commissioner.

(J) A county chief administrative officer.

(K) A judge, court commissioner, or candidate for judge.

(L) A head of a local government agency or member of a local government board or commission, for which the Commission is the code reviewing body, if the Commission has been designated as the filing officer in the conflict of interest code of the respective agency, board, or commission.

(M) A designated employee of the Legislature directed to file directly with the Commission by the house of the Legislature by which the designated employee is employed.

(N) A designated employee of more than one joint powers insurance agency who elects to file a multiagency statement pursuant to Section 87350.

(O) A public official who manages public investments.

(b) A statement of economic interests filed by a public official, for whom the Commission is not the filing officer, shall be filed as follows:

(1) Members of the Commission shall file electronically using the Commission’s electronic filing system and the Commission shall send a copy of the filing to the office of the Attorney General, which shall be the filing officer.

(2) Except as provided in subparagraph (L) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) and this paragraph, a head of a local government agency, member of a local government agency board or commission, or member of a board or commission not under the jurisdiction of a local legislative body shall file one original with the agency, board, or commission, which shall make and retain a copy and forward the original to the code reviewing body, which shall be the filing officer. The code reviewing body may require that the original be filed directly with the code reviewing body and that no copy be retained by the agency, board, or commission.

(3) Except as provided in subparagraph (M) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), a designated employee of the Legislature shall file one original with the house of the Legislature by which the designated employee is employed.

(c) A person not otherwise designated in this section shall file one original with the agency or with the code reviewing body, as provided by the code reviewing body in the agency’s conflict of interest code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 331, Sec. 4. (SB 852) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 5. Filing

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 7. Conflicts of Interest > 5. Filing


text:
(a) An agency may permit the electronic filing of a statement of economic interests required by Article 2 (commencing with Section 87200) or Article 3 (commencing with Section 87300), including amendments, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission.

(b) In consultation with interested agencies, the Commission shall use common database integration features in developing database design requirements for all electronic filings that may be used.

(c) (1) An agency that intends to permit electronic filing of a statement of economic interests shall submit a proposal, which shall include a description of the electronic filing system that the agency proposes to use, to the Commission for approval and certification. An agency that submits a proposal shall include a fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000) that is payable to the Commission for the costs of approving and certifying the proposal.

(2) An agency shall not charge a person to electronically file a statement of economic interests.

(3) The Commission shall review an agency’s proposal for compliance with the system requirement regulations adopted pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) and the requirements of subdivision (d). If the proposed system complies with these requirements, the Commission shall approve and certify the agency’s electronic filing system as soon as practicable after receiving the agency’s submitted proposal.

(d) An agency’s proposed electronic filing system shall meet the following requirements:

(1) A statement of economic interests filed electronically shall include an electronic transmission that is submitted under penalty of perjury and that conforms to subdivision (b) of Section 1633.11 of the Civil Code.

(2) (A) The agency’s filing officer shall issue to a person who electronically files their statement of economic interests or amendment an electronic confirmation that notifies the filer that their statement of economic interests or amendment was received. The confirmation shall include the date and the time that the statement of economic interests or amendment was received by the filing officer and the method by which the filer may view and print the data received by the filing officer.

(B) A copy retained by the filer of a statement of economic interests or amendment that was electronically filed and the confirmation issued pursuant to subparagraph (A) that shows that the filer timely filed their statement of economic interests or amendment shall create a rebuttable presumption that the filer timely filed their statement of economic interests or amendment.

(3) The agency shall utilize an electronic filing system that includes layered security to ensure data integrity. The system shall have the capability to uniquely identify a filer electronically when the filer accesses the electronic filing system. The operational process for the system shall include industry best practices to ensure that the security and integrity of the data and information contained in the statement of economic interests are not jeopardized or compromised.

(4) The agency shall provide the public with a copy of an official’s statement of economic interests upon request, in accordance with Section 81008. The copy of the electronically filed statement of economic interests shall be identical to the statement of economic interests published by the Commission and shall include the date that the statement was filed.

(e) The Commission may adopt regulations to require that an agency redact information on a statement of economic interests prior to posting the statement of economic interests on the internet.

(f) The Commission may conduct discretionary audits of an agency’s approved and certified electronic filing system to evaluate its performance and compliance with the requirements of this section.

(g) The Commission shall accept an electronic copy of a statement of economic interests that is forwarded to it by an agency that has received an electronically filed statement from a filer pursuant to this section.

(h) A city or county shall not continue to use an electronic filing system if the Commission does not approve and certify that electronic filing system as complying with the requirements of the Commission’s regulations and the other requirements of this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 315, Sec. 10. (AB 946) Effective January 1, 2020.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 5. Filing


text:
(a) The Commission may develop and operate an online system for filing statements of economic interests required by Article 2 (commencing with Section 87200) and Article 3 (commencing with Section 87300). Consistent with Section 87500.4, the online system shall enable a filer to comply with the requirements of this chapter relating to the filing of statements of economic interests and shall include, but not be limited to, both of the following:

(1) A means or method whereby a filer may electronically file, free of charge, a statement of economic interests that includes an electronic transmission that is submitted under penalty of perjury in conformity with Section 81004 of this code and subdivision (b) of Section 1633.11 of the Civil Code.

(2) Security safeguards that include firewalls, data encryption, secure authentication, and all necessary hardware and software and industry best practices to ensure that the security and integrity of the data and information contained in each statement of economic interests are not jeopardized or compromised.

(b) (1) A system developed pursuant to subdivision (a) shall issue to a person who electronically files the person’s statement of economic interests, or an amendment to a statement of economic interests, an electronic confirmation that notifies the filer that the filer’s statement of economic interests or amendment was received. The confirmation shall include the date and the time that the statement of economic interests or amendment was received and the method by which the filer may view and print the data received.

(2) A paper copy retained by the filer of a statement of economic interests or amendment that was electronically filed and the confirmation issued pursuant to paragraph (1) that shows that the filer timely filed the filer’s statement of economic interests or amendment shall create a rebuttable presumption that the filer filed the filer’s statement of economic interests or amendment on time.

(c) If the Commission develops an online system pursuant to subdivision (a), it shall conduct public hearings to receive input on the implementation of that system, maintain ongoing coordination among affected state and local agencies as necessary, and continue to develop and provide updated and ongoing training and assistance programs for state and local filing officers and filers regarding use of the online system for filing statements of economic interests.

(d) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commission may make all the data filed on the system operated pursuant to subdivision (a) available on the Commission’s internet website in an easily understood format that provides the greatest public access, and shall provide assistance to those seeking public access to the information.

(2) Notwithstanding Section 81008 or the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code), the Commission shall redact the following private information from the data that is made available on the internet pursuant to this subdivision:

(A) The signature, telephone number, email address, and mailing address of the filer.

(B) At the request of the filer, the street name and building number of the filer’s personal residence address, under either of the following circumstances:

(i) The filer identifies a business entity on their statement of economic interest, and the business entity’s address is the same as the filer’s personal residence address.

(ii) The filer reports income from renting space to a tenant at the filer’s personal residence, and the tenant’s address is the same as the filer’s personal residence address.

(C) (i) At the request of a filer who is a current elected official or a former elected official who is filing because they have left office, and if the Commission determines the current or former elected official has a reasonable privacy concern related to a family member’s name or other personally identifiable information:

(I) The family member’s name.

(II) The family member’s address.

(III) The address of an entity that employs the family member.

(IV) The name of an entity that includes the family member’s name or address in the entity’s name.

(ii) The Commission may adopt regulations that define “family member” and “reasonable privacy concern” for purposes of this subparagraph (C).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 211, Sec. 5. (AB 1170) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 5. Filing


text:
(a) If the Commission establishes an online system pursuant to Section 87500.3, the Commission shall specify which categories of persons described in Section 87500 may file statements of economic interests electronically through the online system established by the Commission.

(b) (1) If the Commission, pursuant to subdivision (a), specifies that persons described in Section 87500 may file statements of economic interests electronically through the online system established by the Commission, the Commission, upon authorization by the filing officer designated by Section 87500, shall assume the duties of the filing officer for each filer within each category of filers authorized to file electronically through the online system, irrespective of whether the filer elects to file the filer’s statement of economic interests electronically or on paper with the Commission. A filing officer who does not authorize the Commission to assume the filing officer’s duties as described in this paragraph shall continue to perform the duties prescribed in Section 81010. The filing officer duties assumed by the Commission with respect to each filer in each authorized category shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(A) Notifying the filer of the filer’s filing obligation.

(B) Receiving the filer’s statement of economic interests.

(C) Ensuring compliance with filing requirements in the event the filer fails to file in a timely manner or is required to amend the filer’s statement of economic interests.

(D) Distributing to filing officers copies of the completed statement of economic interests of a person who is required by this chapter to file more than one statement of economic interests for each period, and who, despite being authorized to file the statement with the Commission electronically, elects to file the statement with the Commission using a paper form.

(2) If the Commission assumes the duties of a filing officer pursuant to this subdivision, the filing officer whose duties are assumed shall provide to the Commission, in a manner prescribed by the Commission, the name and contact information for each filer in the filing officer’s jurisdiction.

(c) The Commission shall notify a filing officer who may be affected by a determination of the Commission pursuant to this section to authorize a category of filers to file electronically, no later than six months before the implementation of that determination, in order to allow adequate preparation for implementation.

(d) A person who is required by this chapter to file more than one statement of economic interests for each reporting period and who files the person’s statements of economic interests with the Commission electronically after being authorized to do so pursuant to Section 87500.3 is not required to file a statement of economic interests with any other person or agency. If a filer authorized to file electronically with the Commission files with the Commission on paper, the Commission shall distribute copies of the statement to any other filing officers pursuant to subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).

(e) (1) After the Commission makes an initial determination pursuant to subdivision (a) regarding which categories of persons described in Section 87500 are permitted to file statements of economic interests electronically through the online system established by the Commission, the Commission may subsequently revise its determination at any time.

(2) In accordance with Section 87500.3, the Commission shall continue to conduct public hearings and receive input on the implementation of the online system, and that input shall inform any decision by the Commission to revise, pursuant to paragraph (1), its determination of which categories of persons described in Section 87500 are permitted to file statements of economic interests electronically through the online system established by the Commission.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 219. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 5. Filing


text:
Each city clerk or county clerk who maintains an Internet Web site shall post on that Internet Web site a notification that includes all of the following:

(a) A list of the elected officers identified in Section 87200 who file statements of economic interests with that city clerk or county clerk pursuant to Section 87500.

(b) A statement that copies of the statements of economic interests filed by the elected officers described in subdivision (a) may be obtained by visiting the offices of the Commission or that city clerk or county clerk, as appropriate. The statement shall include the physical address for the Commission’s office and the city clerk’s office or the county clerk’s office, as appropriate.

(c) A link to the Commission’s Internet Web site and a statement that statements of economic interests for some state and local government agency elected officers may be available in an electronic format on the Commission’s Internet Web site.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 498, Sec. 1. (AB 1509) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 5. Filing


text: There shall be a state voter information guide which shall be prepared by the Secretary of State.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 9. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

chapter: 8. Ballot Pamphlet

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 8. Ballot Pamphlet


text:
The state voter information guide shall contain all of the following:

(a) A complete copy of each state measure.

(b) A copy of the specific constitutional or statutory provision, if any, that would be repealed or revised by each state measure.

(c) A copy of the arguments and rebuttals for and against each state measure.

(d) A copy of the analysis of each state measure.

(e) Tables of contents, indexes, art work, graphics, and other materials that the Secretary of State determines will make the state voter information guide easier to understand or more useful for the average voter.

(f) A notice, conspicuously printed on the cover of the state voter information guide indicating that additional copies of the guide will be mailed by the county elections official upon request.

(g) A written explanation of the judicial retention procedure as required by Section 9083 of the Elections Code.

(h) The Voter Bill of Rights pursuant to Section 2300 of the Elections Code.

(i) If the ballot contains an election for the office of United States Senator, information on candidates for United States Senator. A candidate for United States Senator may purchase the space to place a statement in the state voter information guide that does not exceed 250 words. The statement may not make any reference to any opponent of the candidate. The statement shall be submitted in accordance with timeframes and procedures set forth by the Secretary of State for the preparation of the state voter information guide.

(j) If the ballot contains a question as to the confirmation or retention of a justice of the Supreme Court, information on justices of the Supreme Court who are subject to confirmation or retention.

(k) If the ballot contains an election for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States, a notice that refers voters to the Secretary of State’s internet website for information about candidates for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States.

(l) A written explanation of the appropriate election procedures for party-nominated, voter-nominated, and nonpartisan offices as required by Section 9083.5 of the Elections Code.

(m) A written explanation of the top 10 contributor lists required by Section 84223, including a description of the internet websites where those lists are available to the public.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 10. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text:
The state voter information guide shall contain as to each state measure to be voted upon, the following in the order set forth in this section:

(a) (1) Upon the top portion of the first page and not exceeding one-third of the page shall appear:

(A) The identification of the measure by number and title.

(B) The official summary prepared by the Attorney General.

(i) For a statewide referendum measure, the official summary prepared by the Attorney General shall precede all of the following in the order set forth in this clause:

(I) A blank horizontal line.

(II) After the text “TOP FUNDERS OF PETITION TO OVERTURN THE LAW:” a listing of the three persons who made the most aggregated contributions and expenditures of $50,000 or more to qualify the referendum as of the last day petitions are filed with an elections official. A person who is required to be listed after the official summary pursuant to this clause is a “top funder.”

(III) If a person that is a primarily formed ballot measure committee within the meaning of Section 82047.5 of the Government Code or a general purpose committee within the meaning of Section 82027.5 of the Government Code is one of the persons who made the most aggregated contributions and expenditures to qualify the referendum as of the last day petitions are filed with an elections official, the primarily formed committee or general purpose committee shall not be listed as a top funder pursuant to subclause (II), and, instead, the highest contributors to the primarily formed committee or general purpose committee within the prior 90 days shall be listed as top funders pursuant to subclause (II) if their contributions to the primarily formed committee or general purpose committee, combined with all other contributions and expenditures to qualify the referendum, qualify the person or persons as top funders.

(ii) The name of a top funder may be shortened at the discretion of the Secretary of State by using acronyms, abbreviations, or by leaving out words in the entity’s name, as long as doing so would not confuse or mislead voters about the identity of a top funder.

(iii) Each top funder shall be printed in a font size that is the same as a majority of the text on the page and separated by a semicolon.

(iv) The Secretary of State shall determine the list of top funders no later than the date a referendum qualifies for the ballot.

(C) The total number of votes cast for and against the measure in both the State Senate and Assembly if the measure was passed by the Legislature.

(2) The space in the title and summary that is used for an explanatory table prepared pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 9087 of the Elections Code and Section 88003 shall not be included when measuring the amount of space the information described in paragraph (1) has taken for purposes of determining compliance with the restriction prohibiting the information described in paragraph (1) from exceeding one-third of the page.

(b) Beginning at the top of the right page shall appear the analysis prepared by the Legislative Analyst, provided that the analysis fits on a single page. If it does not fit on a single page, then the analysis shall begin on the lower portion of the first left page and shall continue on subsequent pages until it is completed.

(c) Immediately below the analysis prepared by the Legislative Analyst shall appear a printed statement that refers voters to the Secretary of State’s internet website for a list of committees primarily formed to support or oppose a ballot measure, and information on how to access the committee’s top 10 contributors.

(d) Arguments for and against the measure shall be placed on the next left and right pages, respectively, following the page on which the analysis of the Legislative Analyst ends. The rebuttals shall be placed immediately below the arguments.

(e) If no argument against the measure has been submitted, the argument for the measure shall appear on the right page facing the analysis.

(f) The complete text of each measure shall appear at the back of the state voter information guide. The text of the measure shall contain the provisions of the proposed measure and the existing provisions of law repealed or revised by the measure. The provisions of the proposed measure differing from the existing provisions of law affected shall be distinguished in print, so as to facilitate comparison.

(g) The following statement shall be printed at the bottom of each page where arguments appear: “Arguments printed on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency.”

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 11. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text:
(a) The state voter information guide shall also contain a section, located near the front of the guide, that provides a concise summary of the general meaning and effect of “yes” and “no” votes on each state measure.

(b) The summary statements required by this section shall be prepared by the Legislative Analyst. These statements are not intended to provide comprehensive information on each measure. The Legislative Analyst shall be solely responsible for determining the contents of these statements. The statements shall be available for public examination and amendment pursuant to Section 88006.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 12. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text: The Legislative Analyst shall prepare an impartial analysis of the measure describing the measure and including a fiscal analysis of the measure showing the amount of any increase or decrease in revenue or cost to state or local government. Any estimate of increased cost to local governments shall be set out in boldface print in the state voter information guide. The analysis shall be written in clear and concise terms which will easily be understood by the average voter, and shall avoid the use of technical terms wherever possible. The analysis may contain background information, including the effect of the measure on existing law and the effect of enacted legislation which will become effective if the measure is adopted, and shall generally set forth in an impartial manner the information which the average voter needs to understand the measure adequately. The Legislative Analyst may contract with professional writers, educational specialists, or other persons for assistance in writing an analysis that fulfills the requirements of this section, including the requirement that the analysis be written so that it will be easily understood by the average voter. The Legislative Analyst may also request the assistance of any state department, agency, or official in preparing the Legislative Analyst’s analysis. Prior to submission of the analysis to the Secretary of State, the Legislative Analyst shall submit the analysis to a committee of five persons appointed by the Legislative Analyst for the purpose of reviewing the analysis to confirm its clarity and easy comprehension to the average voter. The committee shall be drawn from the public at large, and one member shall be a specialist in education, one shall be bilingual, and one shall be a professional writer. Members of the committee shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties. Within five days of the submission of the analysis to the committee, the committee shall make such recommendations to the Legislative Analyst as it deems appropriate to guarantee that the analysis can be easily understood by the average voter. The Legislative Analyst shall consider the committee’s recommendations, and the Legislative Analyst shall incorporate in the analysis those changes recommended by the committee that the Legislative Analyst deems to be appropriate. The Legislative Analyst is solely responsible for determining the content of the analysis required by this section. The title and summary of any measure which appears on the ballot shall be amended to contain a summary of the Legislative Analyst’s estimate of the net state and local government financial impact. For state bond measures that are submitted to the voters for their approval or rejection, the summary of the Legislative Analyst’s estimate of the net state and local government fiscal impact shall include an explanatory table of the information in the summary.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 13. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text: Measures shall be printed in the state voter information guide, so far as possible, in the same order, manner, and form in which they are designated upon the ballot.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 14. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text:
The state voter information guide shall be printed according to the following specifications:

(a) The guide shall be printed in clear readable type, no less than 10-point, except that the text of any measure may be set forth in 8-point type.

(b) It shall be of a size and printed on a quality and weight of paper which in the judgment of the Secretary of State best serves the voters.

(c) The guide shall contain a certificate of correctness by the Secretary of State.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 15. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text: The Legislative Counsel shall prepare and proofread the texts of all measures and the provisions which are repealed or revised.

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

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text: Not less than 20 days before submitting the copy for the state voter information guide to the State Printer, the Secretary of State shall make the copy available for public examination. Any elector may seek a writ of mandate requiring the copy to be amended or deleted from the state voter information guide. A peremptory writ of mandate shall issue only upon clear and convincing proof that the copy in question is false, misleading, or inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter or the Elections Code, and that issuance of the writ will not substantially interfere with the printing and distribution of the state voter information guide as required by law. Venue for a proceeding under this section shall be exclusively in Sacramento County. The Secretary of State shall be named as the respondent and the State Printer and the person or official who authored the copy in question shall be named as real parties in interest. If the proceeding is initiated by the Secretary of State, the State Printer shall be named as the respondent.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 16. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text: Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 81012, the Legislature may without restriction amend this chapter to add to the state voter information guide information regarding candidates or any other information.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 249, Sec. 17. (AB 1511) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text: Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the order of names of candidates on the ballot in every election shall be determined without regard to whether the candidate is an incumbent.

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

chapter: 9. Incumbency

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 9. Incumbency


text: No newsletter or other mass mailing shall be sent at public expense.

history: (History: Amended June 7, 1988, by initiative Proposition 73, Sec. 3. Note: This section was added on June 4, 1974, by initiative Prop. 9.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a mailing is prohibited by Section 89001 if all of the following criteria are met:

(1) An item sent is delivered, by any means, to the recipient at the recipient’s residence, place of employment or business, or post office box. The item delivered to the recipient must be a tangible item, such as a videotape, record, or button, or a written document.

(2) The item sent either:

(A) Features an elected officer affiliated with the agency that produces or sends the mailing.

(B) Includes the name, office, photograph, or other reference to an elected officer affiliated with the agency that produces or sends the mailing, and is prepared or sent in cooperation, consultation, coordination, or concert with the elected officer.

(3) Any of the costs of distribution are paid for with public money or the costs of design, production, and printing exceeding fifty dollars ($50) are paid with public moneys, and the design, production, or printing is done with the intent of sending the item other than as permitted by this section.

(4) More than 200 substantially similar items are sent in a single calendar month, excluding any item sent in response to an unsolicited request and any item described in subdivision (b).

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a mass mailing of the following items is not prohibited by Section 89001:

(1) An item in which the elected officer’s name appears only in the letterhead or logotype of the stationery, forms, including “For Your Information” or “Compliments of” cards or stamps, and envelopes of the agency sending the mailing, or of a committee of the agency, or of the elected officer, or in a roster listing containing the names of all elected officers of the agency. For purposes of this section, the return address portion of a self-mailer is considered the envelope. In any such item, the names of all elected officers must appear in the same type size, typeface, type color, and location. The item shall not include the elected officer’s photograph, signature, or any other reference to the elected officer, except as specifically permitted by this section. The item may, however, include the elected officer’s office or district number and the elected officer’s name or district number in the elected officer’s internet website address or electronic mail address.

(2) A press release sent to members of the media.

(3) An item sent in the normal course of business from one governmental entity or officer to another governmental entity or officer, including all local, state, and federal officers or entities.

(4) An intra-agency communication sent in the normal course of business to employees, officers, deputies, and other staff.

(5) An item sent in connection with the payment or collection of funds by the agency sending the mailing, including tax bills, checks, and similar documents, in any instance in which use of the elected officer’s name, office, title, or signature is necessary to the payment or collection of the funds. The item shall not include the elected officer’s photograph, signature, or any other reference to the elected officer, except as specifically permitted by this section.

(6) Any item sent by an agency responsible for administering a government program, to persons subject to that program, in any instance in which the mailing of the item is essential to the functioning of the program, the item does not include the elected officer’s photograph, and use of the elected officer’s name, office, title, or signature is necessary to the functioning of the program.

(7) Any legal notice or other item sent as required by law, court order, or order adopted by an administrative agency pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2), and in which use of the elected officer’s name, office, title, or signature is necessary in the notice or other mailing. For purposes of this paragraph, inclusion of an elected officer’s name on a ballot as a candidate for elective office, and inclusion of an elected officer’s name and signature on a ballot argument, shall be considered necessary to that notice or other item.

(8) A telephone directory, organization chart, or similar listing or roster which includes the names of elected officers as well as other individuals in the agency sending the mailing, in which the name of each elected officer and individual listed appears in the same type size, typeface, and type color. The item shall not include an elected officer’s photograph, name, signature, or any other reference to an elected officer, except as specifically permitted by this section.

(9) (A) An announcement of any meeting or event of either of the following:

(i) An announcement sent to an elected officer’s constituents concerning a public meeting that is directly related to the elected officer’s incumbent governmental duties, is to be held by the elected officer, and that the elected officer intends to attend.

(ii) An announcement of any official agency event or events for which the agency is providing the use of its facilities or staff or other financial support.

(B) Any announcement provided for in this paragraph shall not include the elected officer’s photograph or signature and may include only a single mention of the elected officer’s name except as permitted elsewhere in this section.

(10) An agenda or other writing that is required to be made available pursuant to Sections 11125.1 and 54957.5, or a bill, file, history, journal, committee analysis, floor analysis, agenda of an interim or special hearing of a committee of the Legislature, or index of legislation, published by the Legislature.

(11) A business card that does not contain the elected officer’s photograph or more than one mention of the elected officer’s name.

(c) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Elected officer affiliated with the agency” means an elected officer who is a member, officer, or employee of the agency, or of a subunit thereof such as a committee, or who has supervisory control over the agency or appoints one or more members of the agency.

(2) “Features an elected officer” means that the item mailed includes the elected officer’s photograph or signature or singles out the elected officer by the manner of display of the elected officer’s name or office in the layout of the document, such as by headlines, captions, type size, typeface, or type color.

(3) “Substantially similar” is defined as follows:

(A) Two items are “substantially similar” if any of the following applies:

(i) The items are identical, except for changes necessary to identify the recipient and the recipient’s address.

(ii) The items are intended to honor, commend, congratulate, or recognize an individual or group, or individuals or groups, for the same event or occasion, are intended to celebrate or recognize the same holiday, or are intended to congratulate an individual or group, or individuals or groups, on the same type of event, such as birthdays or anniversaries.

(iii) Both of the following apply to the items mailed:

(I) Most of the bills, legislation, governmental action, activities, events, or issues of public concern mentioned in one item are mentioned in the other.

(II) Most of the information contained in one item is contained in the other.

(B) Enclosure of the same informational materials in two items mailed, such as copies of the same bill, public document, or report, shall not, by itself, mean that the two items are “substantially similar.” The informational materials shall not include the elected officer’s name, photograph, signature, or any other reference to the elected officer except as permitted elsewhere in this section.

(C) An item is only considered substantially similar to other items sent by the same official, not to items sent by other officials in the same agency.

(4) “Unsolicited request” is defined as follows:

(A) A written or oral communication, including a petition, that specifically requests a response and is not requested or induced by the recipient elected officer or by any third person acting at the recipient elected officer’s behest. However, an unsolicited oral or written communication, including a petition, that does not contain a specific request for a response shall be deemed to constitute an unsolicited request for a single written response.

(B) An unsolicited request for continuing information on a subject shall be deemed an unsolicited request for multiple responses directly related to that subject for a period of time not to exceed 24 months. An unsolicited request to receive a regularly published agency newsletter shall be deemed an unsolicited request for each issue of that newsletter.

(C) A previously unsolicited request to receive an agency newsletter or mass mailing on an ongoing basis shall not be deemed to have become solicited by the sole fact that the requestor responds to an agency notice indicating that, in the absence of a response, the requestor’s name will be purged from the mailing list for that newsletter or mass mailing. A notice in the following language shall be deemed to meet this standard:

“The law does not permit this office to use public funds to keep you updated on items of interest unless you specifically request that it do so.”

Inclusion of a similar notice in other items does not constitute a solicitation under this section.

(D) A communication sent in response to an elected officer’s participation at a public forum or press conference, or to an elected officer’s issuance of a press release, shall be deemed an unsolicited request.

(E) A person who subscribes to newspapers or other periodicals published by persons other than elected officers shall be deemed to have made unsolicited requests for materials published in those subscription publications.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 222. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text: Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 89002, a mass mailing, as defined in Section 82041.5, that meets the criteria of subdivision (a) of Section 89002 shall not be sent within the 60 days preceding an election by or on behalf of a candidate whose name will appear on the ballot at that election, except as provided in paragraphs (2) to (8), inclusive, and paragraph (10) of subdivision (b) of Section 89002.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 827, Sec. 2. (SB 45) Effective January 1, 2018.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM


text: This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Ethics in Government Act of 1990.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 84, Sec. 13.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

chapter: 9.5. Ethics

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 9.5. Ethics


text:
(a) For purposes of this chapter, “honorarium” means, except as provided in subdivision (b), any payment made in consideration for any speech given, article published, or attendance at any public or private conference, convention, meeting, social event, meal, or like gathering.

(b) The term “honorarium” does not include:

(1) Earned income for personal services which are customarily provided in connection with the practice of a bona fide business, trade, or profession, such as teaching, practicing law, medicine, insurance, real estate, banking, or building contracting, unless the sole or predominant activity of the business, trade, or profession is making speeches. The commission shall adopt regulations to implement this subdivision.

(2) Any honorarium which is not used and, within 30 days after receipt, is either returned to the donor or delivered to the State Controller for donation to the General Fund, or in the case of a public official of a local government agency, delivered to the public official’s agency for donation to an equivalent fund, without being claimed as a deduction from income for tax purposes.

(c) Section 89506 applies to all payments, advances, or reimbursements for travel and related lodging and subsistence.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 223. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Honoraria

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 9.5. Ethics > 1. Honoraria


text:
(a) An elected state officer, elected officer of a local government agency, or other individual specified in Section 87200 shall not accept any honorarium.

(b) (1) A candidate for elective state office, for judicial office, or for elective office in a local government agency shall not accept any honorarium. A person shall be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision when the person has filed a statement of organization as a committee for election to a state or local office, a declaration of intent, or a declaration of candidacy, whichever occurs first. A person shall not be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision after the person is sworn into the elective office, or, if the person lost the election, after the person has terminated the person’s campaign statement filing obligations for that office pursuant to Section 84214 or after certification of the election results, whichever is earlier.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any person who is a candidate as described in paragraph (1) for judicial office on or before December 31, 1996.

(c) A member of a state board or commission or designated employee of a state or local government agency shall not accept an honorarium from any source if the member or employee would be required to report the receipt of income or gifts from that source on the member’s or employee’s statement of economic interests.

(d) This section does not apply to a person in the person’s capacity as judge. This section does not apply to a person in the person’s capacity as a part-time member of the governing board of any public institution of higher education unless that position is an elective office.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 224. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Honoraria


text:
(a) An elected state officer, elected officer of a local government agency, or other individual specified in Section 87200 shall not accept any honorarium.

(b) (1) A candidate for elective state office, for judicial office, or for elective office in a local government agency shall not accept any honorarium. A person shall be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision when the person has filed a committee registration for election to a state or local office, a declaration of intent, or a declaration of candidacy, whichever occurs first. A person shall not be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision after the person is sworn into the elective office, or, if the person lost the election, after the person has terminated the person’s campaign filing obligations for that office pursuant to Section 84214 or after certification of the election results, whichever is earlier.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any person who is a candidate as described in paragraph (1) for judicial office on or before December 31, 1996.

(c) A member of a state board or commission or designated employee of a state or local government agency shall not accept an honorarium from any source if the member or employee would be required to report the receipt of income or gifts from that source on the member’s or employee’s statement of economic interests.

(d) This section does not apply to a person in the person’s capacity as judge. This section does not apply to a person in the person’s capacity as a part-time member of the governing board of any public institution of higher education unless that position is an elective office.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 64. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 1. Honoraria


text:
(a) An elected state officer, elected officer of a local government agency, or other individual specified in Section 87200 shall not accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with a total value of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

(b) (1) A candidate for elective state office, for judicial office, or for elective office in a local government agency shall not accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with a total value of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). A person shall be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision when the person has filed a statement of organization as a committee for election to a state or local office, a declaration of intent, or a declaration of candidacy, whichever occurs first. A person shall not be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision after the person is sworn into the elective office, or, if the person lost the election, after the person has terminated the person’s campaign statement filing obligations for that office pursuant to Section 84214 or after certification of the election results, whichever is earlier.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any person who is a candidate as described in paragraph (1) for judicial office on or before December 31, 1996.

(c) A member of a state board or commission or designated employee of a state or local government agency shall not accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with a total value of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) if the member or employee would be required to report the receipt of income or gifts from that source on the member’s statement of economic interests.

(d) This section does not apply to a person in the person’s capacity as judge. This section does not apply to a person in the person’s capacity as a part-time member of the governing board of any public institution of higher education unless that position is an elective office.

(e) This section does not prohibit or limit the following:

(1) Payments, advances, or reimbursements for travel and related lodging and subsistence permitted by Section 89506.

(2) Wedding gifts and gifts exchanged between individuals on birthdays, holidays, and other similar occasions, provided that the gifts exchanged are not substantially disproportionate in value.

(f) Beginning on January 1, 1993, the commission shall adjust the gift limitation in this section on January 1 of each odd-numbered year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest ten dollars ($10).

(g) The limitations in this section are in addition to the limitations on gifts in Section 86203.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 225. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Gifts

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 9.5. Ethics > 2. Gifts


text:
(a) An elected state officer, elected officer of a local government agency, or other individual specified in Section 87200 shall not accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with a total value of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

(b) (1) A candidate for elective state office, for judicial office, or for elective office in a local government agency shall not accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with a total value of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). A person shall be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision when the person has filed a committee registration for election to a state or local office, a declaration of intent, or a declaration of candidacy, whichever occurs first. A person shall not be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision after the person is sworn into the elective office, or, if the person lost the election, after the person has terminated the person’s campaign filing obligations for that office pursuant to Section 84214 or after certification of the election results, whichever is earlier.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any person who is a candidate as described in paragraph (1) for judicial office on or before December 31, 1996.

(c) A member of a state board or commission or designated employee of a state or local government agency shall not accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with a total value of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) if the member or employee would be required to report the receipt of income or gifts from that source on the member’s statement of economic interests.

(d) This section does not apply to a person in the person’s capacity as judge. This section does not apply to a person in the person’s capacity as a part-time member of the governing board of any public institution of higher education unless that position is an elective office.

(e) This section does not prohibit or limit the following:

(1) Payments, advances, or reimbursements for travel and related lodging and subsistence permitted by Section 89506.

(2) Wedding gifts and gifts exchanged between individuals on birthdays, holidays, and other similar occasions, provided that the gifts exchanged are not substantially disproportionate in value.

(f) Beginning on January 1, 1993, the commission shall adjust the gift limitation in this section on January 1 of each odd-numbered year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest ten dollars ($10).

(g) The limitations in this section are in addition to the limitations on gifts in Section 86203.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 65. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Gifts


text: A gift is both “received” and “accepted” when the public official, or the official’s immediate family member, knowingly takes actual possession of the gift, is provided the benefit of the gift, or takes any action exercising direction or control of the gift.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 312, Sec. 20. (AB 902) Effective January 1, 2020.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Gifts


text:
(a) The services of a California Science and Technology Policy Fellow provided by the California Council on Science and Technology and duly authorized by an executed memorandum of understanding between the council and an executive branch agency or department are not a gift to a state elective or appointive officer for the purposes of this article.

(b) For purposes of this section, a California Science and Technology Policy Fellow is “duly authorized by an executed memorandum of understanding between the council and an executive branch agency or department” only if both of the following requirements are satisfied:

(1) The California Science and Technology Policy Fellow has been selected according to criteria, and pursuant to a process, included in the executed memorandum of understanding between the council and an executive branch agency or department.

(2) The California Council on Science and Technology has executed an agreement with an executive branch agency or department whereby the California Science and Technology Policy Fellow is bound to abide by standards of conduct, economic interest disclosure requisites, and other requirements specified by the state.

(c) This section does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, existing law.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 112, Sec. 4. (SB 698) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Gifts


text:
(a) The services of a policy fellow provided by an association are not a gift to a state elective or appointive officer for the purposes of this article.

(b) For the purposes of this section, “association” means any of the following organizations that are exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code:

(1) The Asian Pacific Islander Capitol Association.

(2) The California Legislative Black Staff Association.

(3) The Capitol LGBTQ Association.

(4) The California Latino Capitol Association Foundation.

(c) This section does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, existing law.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 238, Sec. 4. (AB 2573) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 2. Gifts


text:
(a) Payments, advances, or reimbursements for travel, including actual transportation and related lodging and subsistence that is reasonably related to a legislative or governmental purpose, or to an issue of state, national, or international public policy, are not prohibited or limited by this chapter if either of the following applies:

(1) The travel is in connection with a speech given by the elected state officer, local elected officeholder, candidate for elective state office or local elective office, an individual specified in Section 87200, member of a state board or commission, or designated employee of a state or local government agency, the lodging and subsistence expenses are limited to the day immediately preceding, the day of, and the day immediately following the speech, and the travel is within the United States.

(2) The travel is provided by a government, a governmental agency, a foreign government, a governmental authority, a bona fide public or private educational institution, as defined in Section 203 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or by a person domiciled outside the United States who substantially satisfies the requirements for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) Gifts of travel not described in subdivision (a) are subject to the limits in Section 89503.

(c) Subdivision (a) applies only to travel that is reported on the recipient’s statement of economic interests.

(d) For purposes of this section, a gift of travel does not include any of the following:

(1) Travel that is paid for from campaign funds, as permitted by Article 4 (commencing with Section 89510), or that is a contribution.

(2) Travel that is provided by the governmental agency of a local elected officeholder, an elected state officer, member of a state board or commission, an individual specified in Section 87200, or a designated employee.

(3) Travel that is reasonably necessary in connection with a bona fide business, trade, or profession and that satisfies the criteria for federal income tax deduction for business expenses in Sections 162 and 274 of the Internal Revenue Code, unless the sole or predominant activity of the business, trade, or profession is making speeches.

(4) Travel that is excluded from the definition of a gift by any other provision of this title.

(e) This section does not apply to payments, advances, or reimbursements for travel and related lodging and subsistence permitted or limited by Section 170.9 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(f) (1) A nonprofit organization that regularly organizes and hosts travel for elected officials and that makes payments, advances, or reimbursements that total more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in a calendar year, or that total more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) in a calendar year for a single person, for travel by an elected state officer or local elected officeholder as described in subdivision (a) shall disclose to the Commission the names of donors who did both of the following in the preceding year:

(A) Donated one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more to the nonprofit organization.

(B) Accompanied an elected state officer or local elected officeholder, either personally or through an agent, employee, or representative, for any portion of travel described in subdivision (a).

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, a nonprofit organization “regularly organizes and hosts travel for elected officials” if the sum of the nonprofit organization’s expenses that relate to any of the following types of activities with regard to elected officials was greater than one-third of its total expenses reflected on the nonprofit organization’s Internal Revenue Service Form 990, or the equivalent, filed most recently within the last 12 months:

(A) Travel.

(B) Study tours.

(C) Conferences, conventions, and meetings.

(3) This subdivision does not preclude a finding that a nonprofit organization is acting as an intermediary or agent of the donor. If the nonprofit organization is acting as an intermediary or agent of the donor, all of the following apply:

(A) The donor to the nonprofit organization is the source of the gift.

(B) The donor shall be identified as a financial interest under Section 87103.

(C) The gift shall be reported as required by Section 87207.

(D) The gift shall be subject to the limitations on gifts specified in Section 89503.

(4) For purposes of this subdivision, a nonprofit organization includes an organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) or Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 86, Sec. 169. (SB 1171) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 3. Travel

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 9.5. Ethics > 3. Travel


text:
(a) A candidate for elective state office may only accept contributions within the limits provided in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 85100).

(b) All contributions deposited into the campaign account shall be deemed to be held in trust for expenses associated with the election of the candidate or for expenses associated with holding office.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 241, Sec. 17. Effective September 4, 2001. Note: The amendment of this section by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, was approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Campaign Funds

path: 9. POLITICAL REFORM > 9.5. Ethics > 4. Campaign Funds


text:
(a) This article applies to campaign funds held by candidates for elective office, elected officers, controlled committees, ballot measure committees, committees opposed to a candidate or measure, and any committee which qualifies as a committee pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 82013.

(b) (1) For purposes of this chapter, “campaign funds” includes any contributions, cash, cash equivalents, and other assets received or possessed by a committee as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 82013.

(2) For purposes of this chapter, “committee” means a controlled committee, ballot measure committee, committee opposed to a candidate or measure, and any committee which qualifies as a committee pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 82013.

(3) For purposes of this chapter, “substantial personal benefit” means an expenditure of campaign funds which results in a direct personal benefit with a value of more than two hundred dollars ($200) to a candidate, elected officer, or any individual or individuals with authority to approve the expenditure of campaign funds held by a committee.

(4) For purposes of this article, “household” includes the candidate’s or elected officer’s spouse, dependent children, and parents who reside with the candidate or elected officer.

(5) (A) For purposes of this article, “attorney’s fees and other costs” includes only the following:

(i) Attorney’s fees and other legal costs related to the defense of the candidate or officer.

(ii) Administrative costs directly related to compliance with the requirements of this title.

(B) “Attorney’s fees and other costs” does not include expenses for fundraising, media or political consulting fees, mass mailing or other advertising, or, except as expressly authorized by subdivision (c) of Section 89513, a payment or reimbursement for a fine, penalty, judgment or settlement, or a payment to return or disgorge contributions made to any other committee controlled by the candidate or officer.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 884, Sec. 3. (AB 1692) Effective January 1, 2015.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Campaign Funds


text:
(a) An incumbent elected officer may utilize the incumbent elected officer’s personal funds for expenditures authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 89510 without first depositing those funds in the incumbent elected officer’s controlled committee’s campaign bank account, if both of the following conditions are met:

(1) The expenditures are not campaign expenses.

(2) The treasurer of the committee is provided with a dated receipt and a written description of the expenditure.

(b) An incumbent elected officer may be reimbursed for expenditures of the incumbent elected officer’s personal funds, from either the controlled committee campaign bank account established pursuant to Section 85201 with respect to election to the incumbent term of office, or from a controlled committee campaign bank account established pursuant to Section 85201 with respect to election to a future term of office, if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The expenditures are not campaign expenses.

(2) The incumbent elected officer, prior to reimbursement, provides the treasurer of the committee with a dated receipt and a written description of each expenditure.

(3) Reimbursement is paid within 90 days of the expenditure, in the case of a cash expenditure, or within 90 days of the end of the billing period in which it was included, in the case of an expenditure charged to a credit card or charge account.

(c) When the elected officer’s controlled committee is notified that expenditures totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more in a fiscal year have been made by the incumbent elected officer, the committee shall report, pursuant to subdivision (k) of Section 84211, the expenditures on the campaign statement for the period in which the expenditures were made and the reimbursements on the campaign statement for the period in which the reimbursements were made.

(d) If reimbursement is not paid within the time authorized by this section, the expenditure shall be reported on the campaign statement as a nonmonetary contribution received on the 90th day after the expenditure is paid, in the case of a cash expenditure, or within 90 days of the end of the billing period in which it was included, in the case of an expenditure charged to a credit card or charge account.

(e) This section shall not be construed to authorize an incumbent elected officer to make expenditures from any campaign bank account for expenses other than those expenses associated with the incumbent elected officer’s election to the specific office for which the account was established and expenses associated with holding that office.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 226. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022. Conditionally superseded; see amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Campaign Funds


text:
(a) An incumbent elected officer may utilize the incumbent elected officer’s personal funds for expenditures authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 89510 without first depositing those funds in the incumbent elected officer’s controlled committee’s campaign bank account, if both of the following conditions are met:

(1) The expenditures are not campaign expenses.

(2) The treasurer of the committee is provided with a dated receipt and a written description of the expenditure.

(b) An incumbent elected officer may be reimbursed for expenditures of the incumbent elected officer’s personal funds, from either the controlled committee campaign bank account established pursuant to Section 85201 with respect to election to the incumbent term of office, or from a controlled committee campaign bank account established pursuant to Section 85201 with respect to election to a future term of office, if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The expenditures are not campaign expenses.

(2) The incumbent elected officer, prior to reimbursement, provides the treasurer of the committee with a dated receipt and a written description of each expenditure.

(3) Reimbursement is paid within 90 days of the expenditure, in the case of a cash expenditure, or within 90 days of the end of the billing period in which it was included, in the case of an expenditure charged to a credit card or charge account.

(c) When the elected officer’s controlled committee is notified that expenditures totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more in a fiscal year have been made by the incumbent elected officer, the committee shall report, pursuant to subdivision (k) of Section 84211, the expenditures on the campaign report for the period in which the expenditures were made and the reimbursements on the campaign report for the period in which the reimbursements were made.

(d) If reimbursement is not paid within the time authorized by this section, the expenditure shall be reported on the campaign report as a nonmonetary contribution received on the 90th day after the expenditure is paid, in the case of a cash expenditure, or within 90 days of the end of the billing period in which it was included, in the case of an expenditure charged to a credit card or charge account.

(e) This section shall not be construed to authorize an incumbent elected officer to make expenditures from any campaign bank account for expenses other than those expenses associated with the incumbent elected officer’s election to the specific office for which the account was established and expenses associated with holding that office.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 278, Sec. 66. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally operative pursuant to Sec. 78 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 278.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Campaign Funds


text:
(a) An expenditure to seek office is within the lawful execution of the trust imposed by Section 89510 if it is reasonably related to a political purpose. An expenditure associated with holding office is within the lawful execution of the trust imposed by Section 89510 if it is reasonably related to a legislative or governmental purpose. Expenditures which confer a substantial personal benefit shall be directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

(b) Except as expressly authorized by this article, an expenditure for a fine, penalty, judgment, or settlement is not within the lawful execution of the trust imposed by Section 89510.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 884, Sec. 4. (AB 1692) Effective January 1, 2015.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Campaign Funds


text:
(a) Subject to the provisions of subdivision (b), any expenditure by a committee not subject to the trust imposed by subdivision (b) of Section 89510 shall be reasonably related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose of the committee.

(b) Any expenditure by a committee that confers a substantial personal benefit on any individual or individuals with authority to approve the expenditure of campaign funds held by the committee, shall be directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose of the committee.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 546, Sec. 2.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Campaign Funds


text:
This section governs the use of campaign funds for the specific expenditures set forth in this section. It is the intent of the Legislature that this section shall guide the interpretation of the standard imposed by Section 89512 as applied to other expenditures not specifically set forth in this section.

(a) (1) Campaign funds shall not be used to pay or reimburse the candidate, the elected officer, or any individual or individuals with authority to approve the expenditure of campaign funds held by a committee, or employees or staff of the committee or the elected officer’s governmental agency for travel expenses and necessary accommodations except when these expenditures are directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

(2) For the purposes of this section, payments or reimbursements for travel and necessary accommodations shall be considered as directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose if the payments would meet standards similar to the standards of the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to Sections 162 and 274 of the Internal Revenue Code for deductions of travel expenses under the federal income tax law.

(3) For the purposes of this section, payments or reimbursement for travel by the household of a candidate or elected officer when traveling to the same destination in order to accompany the candidate or elected officer shall be considered for the same purpose as the candidate’s or elected officer’s travel.

(4) Whenever campaign funds are used to pay or reimburse a candidate, elected officer, the candidate or elected officer’s representative, or a member of the candidate’s household for travel expenses and necessary accommodations, the expenditure shall be reported as required by Section 84211.

(5) Whenever campaign funds are used to pay or reimburse for travel expenses and necessary accommodations, any mileage credit that is earned or awarded pursuant to an airline bonus mileage program shall be deemed personally earned by or awarded to the individual traveler. The earning or awarding of mileage credit and the redeeming of credit for actual travel are not subject to reporting pursuant to Section 84211.

(b) (1) Campaign funds shall not be used to pay for or reimburse the cost of professional services unless the services are directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

(2) Expenditures by a committee to pay for professional services reasonably required by the committee to assist it in the performance of its administrative functions are directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

(3) Campaign funds shall not be used to pay health-related expenses for a candidate, elected officer, or any individual or individuals with authority to approve the expenditure of campaign funds held by a committee, or members of their households. “Health-related expenses” includes, but is not limited to, examinations by physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists, or counselors and expenses for medications, treatments, medical equipment, hospitalization, health club dues, and special dietary foods. However, campaign funds may be used to pay employer costs of health care benefits of a bona fide employee or independent contractor of the committee.

(c) (1) Campaign funds shall not be used to pay or reimburse fines, penalties, judgments, or settlements, except those resulting from all of the following:

(A) Parking citations incurred in the performance of an activity that was directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

(B) Any other action for which payment of attorney’s fees from contributions would be permitted pursuant to this title. However, campaign funds shall not be used to pay a fine, penalty, judgment, or settlement relating to an expenditure of campaign funds that resulted in either of the following:

(i) A personal benefit to the candidate or officer if it is determined that the expenditure was not reasonably related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

(ii) A substantial personal benefit to the candidate or officer if it is determined that the expenditure was not directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

(2) Campaign funds shall not be used to pay a restitution fine imposed under Section 86 of the Penal Code.

(3) Campaign funds shall not be used to pay or reimburse a candidate or elected officer for a fine, penalty, judgment, or settlement relating to a conviction for a felony described in Section 20 of the Elections Code, or for a felony involving fraud. If a candidate or elected officer uses campaign funds for other legal costs and expenses related to claims of those criminal acts and is convicted, the candidate or elected officer shall reimburse the campaign for all funds used in connection with those other legal costs and expenses.

(d) Campaign funds shall not be used for campaign, business, or casual clothing except specialty clothing that is not suitable for everyday use, including, but not limited to, formal wear, if this attire is to be worn by the candidate or elected officer and is directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

(e) (1) Except as otherwise prohibited by law, campaign funds may be used to purchase or reimburse for the costs of purchase of tickets to political fundraising events for the attendance of a candidate, elected officer, or the candidate or elected officer’s immediate family, or an officer, director, employee, or staff of the committee or the elected officer’s governmental agency.

(2) Campaign funds shall not be used to pay for or reimburse for the costs of tickets for entertainment or sporting events for the candidate, elected officer, or members of the candidate or elected officer’s immediate family, or an officer, director, employee, or staff of the committee, unless their attendance at the event is directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

(3) The purchase of tickets for entertainment or sporting events for the benefit of persons other than the candidate, elected officer, or the candidate or elected officer’s immediate family are governed by subdivision (f).

(f) (1) Campaign funds shall not be used to make personal gifts unless the gift is directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose. The refund of a campaign contribution does not constitute the making of a gift.

(2) This section does not prohibit the use of campaign funds to reimburse or otherwise compensate a public employee for services rendered to a candidate or committee while on vacation, leave, or otherwise outside of compensated public time.

(3) An election victory celebration or similar campaign event, or gifts with a total cumulative value of less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) in a single year made to an individual employee, a committee worker, or an employee of the elected officer’s agency, are considered to be directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose. For purposes of this paragraph, a gift to a member of a person’s immediate family shall be deemed to be a gift to that person.

(g) Campaign funds shall not be used to make loans other than to organizations pursuant to Section 89515, or, unless otherwise prohibited, to a candidate for elective office, political party, or committee.

(h) (1) Campaign funds shall not be used to pay or reimburse a candidate or elected officer for a penalty, judgment, or settlement related to a claim of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment filed against the candidate or elective officer in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding. If a candidate or elected officer uses campaign funds for other legal costs and expenses related to claims of those unlawful practices and is held liable for such a violation, the candidate or elected officer shall reimburse the campaign for all funds used in connection with those other legal costs and expenses.

(2) For the purpose of this subdivision, “sexual assault” and “sexual abuse” have the same meaning as in Section 11165.1 of the Penal Code and “sexual harassment” has the same meaning as in subdivision (j) of Section 12940 of the Government Code.

(i) (1) For purposes of this subdivision, “childcare expenses” include the reasonable costs of professional daycare services, babysitting, nannying services, food and beverages, transportation to and from the location of a childcare services provider, before and after school programs, summer day camps, and preschool. Additional qualifying expenses include costs related to a nurse, home care provider, or other care provider for a disabled dependent child. “Childcare expenses” do not include private school tuition, medical expenses, tutoring services, or payments to a relative, within the third degree of consanguinity, of a child, unless the relative owns or operates a professional daycare or babysitting service and the cost of the service is no greater than the relative would otherwise charge.

(2) Campaign funds may be used to pay or reimburse a candidate for reasonable and necessary childcare expenses for a dependent child resulting directly from the candidate engaging in campaign activities. For purposes of this paragraph, “directly” means that the candidate would not have incurred the childcare expenses if the candidate did not engage in the campaign activities.

(3) This section shall not be construed to limit the use of campaign funds to pay for childcare expenses resulting from an officeholder engaging in a campaign activity with both political and legislative or governmental purposes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 576, Sec. 1. (AB 2803) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Campaign Funds


text:
(a) Expenditures of campaign funds for attorney’s fees and other costs in connection with administrative, civil, or criminal litigation are not directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose except where the litigation is directly related to activities of a committee that are consistent with its primary objectives or arises directly out of a committee’s activities or out of a candidate’s or elected officer’s activities, duties, or status as a candidate or elected officer, including, but not limited to, an action to enjoin defamation, defense of an action to enjoin defamation, defense of an action brought for a violation of state or local campaign, disclosure, or election laws, and an action arising from an election contest or recount.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), campaign funds shall not be used to reimburse expenditures for attorney’s fees and other costs in connection with criminal litigation if the litigation results in a conviction of the candidate or elected officer for a felony described in Section 20 of the Elections Code, or for a felony involving fraud.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 576, Sec. 2. (AB 2803) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Campaign Funds


text: Campaign funds may be used to make donations or loans to bona fide charitable, educational, civic, religious, or similar tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations, where no substantial part of the proceeds will have a material financial effect on the candidate, elected officer, campaign treasurer, or any individual or individuals with authority to approve the expenditure of campaign funds held by a committee, or an immediate family member of one of those individuals, and where the donation or loan bears a reasonable relation to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 227. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 9. POLITICAL REFORM

article: 4. Campaign Funds