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Bill

SB 644

Political Reform Act of 1974: contribution limits.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Catherine Blakespear

SB 644 modifies California campaign contribution limits under the Political Reform Act, currently under committee review with amended language.

May 23 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
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Bill Summary · SB 644

Legislative bill overview

SB 644 proposes modifications to California's Political Reform Act of 1974, specifically targeting contribution limits for political campaigns. The bill has recently moved through committee hearings and amendments as of May 2025, currently under review in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Why is this important

Campaign contribution limits directly affect how political candidates fundraise and the influence that donors hold over elected officials. Changes to these limits reshape the financial landscape of California elections and influence the competitiveness of races and candidates' accessibility to funding sources.

Potential points of contention

  • Inflation adjustment debate: Whether contribution limits should be indexed to inflation, making them effectively higher over time, or remain static
  • Donor access concerns: Balancing between preventing wealthy donors from having outsized influence versus allowing candidates adequate resources to communicate with voters
  • Compliance complexity: Changes to existing limits may create confusion for campaigns, committees, and donors regarding permissible contributions
  • Incumbent advantage: Modifications could disproportionately affect challengers' ability to compete against sitting elected officials with established fundraising networks

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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