Bill > AB884

This bill aims to prohibit investor-owned utilities (private, for-profit electric companies) from making campaign contributions to candidates for state office, and correspondingly prevents such candidates from accepting contributions from these utilities. By adding Section 85322 to the Government Code, the bill builds upon the Political Reform Act of 1974, which already provides comprehensive regulation of campaign financing. The legislation creates a new potential criminal violation, making it a misdemeanor to violate these contribution restrictions. The bill explicitly states that no reimbursement will be required from the state for any local agency or school district costs that might arise from implementing this new law, specifically because it relates to creating or changing a criminal offense. Additionally, the bill declares that it furthers the purposes of the Political Reform Act, which can be amended with a two-thirds vote of the Legislature. By restricting campaign contributions from investor-owned utilities, the bill seeks to reduce potential conflicts of interest and improve transparency in campaign financing for state office candidates.

Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB884