Bill > SB644

This bill expands existing campaign contribution limits under the Political Reform Act of 1974 to include candidates for judicial, school district, and community college district offices. Currently, the law limits contributions to state, county, and city candidates, with specific amounts varying by office type (for example, $3,000 for state legislative candidates, $5,000 for statewide officers, and $20,000 for Governor). For elections occurring from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, the contribution limit will be $5,900, which will be adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. The bill allows the Judicial Council, school districts, and community college districts to impose even more restrictive contribution limits for their respective offices. Additionally, the bill modifies several related provisions, such as rules about transferring campaign funds, accepting contributions after an election, and carrying over campaign funds between elections. The new provisions will become operative on January 1, 2027, and expand the scope of existing campaign finance regulations to cover a broader range of elected offices. By creating new contribution limits, the bill technically expands the definition of an existing crime, which could result in misdemeanor charges for violations, though the bill specifies that no additional reimbursement is required for implementing these changes.

Budget and Finance, Education, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB644