Bill > SB42

This bill aims to establish a public campaign financing system in California by amending the Political Reform Act of 1974, allowing candidates to accept public funds for seeking elective office under specific conditions. The bill would remove existing prohibitions on using public funds for campaigns, but requires candidates to meet "strict criteria" to qualify, such as demonstrating broad-based support through small-dollar contributions (maximum $10 per contributor) from a specified number of voting-age residents. The legislation seeks to reduce the influence of wealthy donors and special interests in elections by providing an alternative funding mechanism that encourages competition and makes running for office more accessible to candidates from diverse economic backgrounds. The bill prohibits using public funds for legal defense fees, fines, or repaying personal campaign loans, and allows local governments to create their own public funding systems with expenditure limits that can be adjusted based on independent expenditures for or against a candidate. Additionally, the bill increases penalties for foreign governments or nationals attempting to contribute to California elections, requiring fines of at least the contributed amount and up to three times that amount. The proposed changes would be submitted to voters for approval in the November 3, 2026 statewide general election, with the goal of creating fairer, more competitive, and less financially restrictive electoral processes.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB42