WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1389

The Political Reform Act of 1974: late filing of reports.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Megan Dahle

SB 1389 tightens, clarifies, and updates penalties and procedures for late Political Reform Act reports to improve timeliness and compliance.

Referred to Com. on ELECTIONS.
#thepoliticalreformactof1974 #latefilingofreports
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1389

Overview

SB 1389, introduced in the 2025-2026 California legislative session, addresses late filing issues under the Political Reform Act of 1974. The bill’s primary focus is on tightening, clarifying, or adjusting procedures related to late reports filed under the Act. The sponsor is listed with a co-sponsor, Megan Dahle. The bill progressed through committee and floor action in 2026, with unanimous or near-unanimous approvals in several steps, and was referred to the Assembly Committee on Elections.

Purpose and intent

  • To modify or specify requirements, penalties, or processes related to late filing of reports under the Political Reform Act of 1974.
  • To improve compliance, enforcement, or timely submission of political campaign and state reform reports.
  • To provide clearer standards for when late reports are considered timely or untimely, and how late filings are to be treated administratively and legally.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill’s trajectory)

  • Referred to the Assembly Elections Committee for consideration, indicating potential amendments or clarifications specific to filing timelines, penalties, or enforcement related to late reports.
  • The bill underwent multiple readings, amendments, and committee referrals (including to the Appropriations and Rules committees), suggesting the following likely elements:
    • Definitions clarifying what constitutes a late filing.
    • Procedures for filing late reports and any relief or penalties applicable.
    • Possible adjustments to penalties, exemptions, or grace periods for late reports.
    • Administrative processes for enforcement, reporting, and verification of late filings.
  • The exact textual provisions are not provided here, but the procedural history shows active consideration and movement toward passage.

Who and what is affected

  • Entities required to file reports under the Political Reform Act of 1974 (e.g., political committees, state officeholders, lobbyists, or related committees).
  • State agencies and the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) could be involved in administration, enforcement, and penalties related to late filings.
  • California voters and the integrity of campaign finance disclosures may be affected indirectly through improved timeliness and accuracy of reports.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: February 20, 2026.
  • First reading: February 23, 2026; re-referred to Rules, then to other committees as amendments were made.
  • Amendments and committee work: March–April 2026, including moves between RLS (Rules), E. & C.A. (Elections and Constitutional Amendments), APPR (Appropriations), and others.
  • April 21, 2026: Read second time and amended; re-referred to APPR.
  • April 22–28, 2026: Committee support and passage recommendations post-amendment; movement toward consent calendar.
  • May 4–7, 2026: Second reading, consent calendar steps, and eventual passage in Senate.
  • May 7, 2026: Passed the Senate (third reading, Ayes 36, Noes 0); ordered to the Assembly.
  • May 18, 2026: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Elections.

Potential impact

  • Clarified guidelines for late report submissions, potentially affecting penalties, dispositions, or relief mechanisms for late filers.
  • Could streamline or adjust enforcement latitude for the FPPC or related agencies.
  • Aims to reduce ambiguity around late filings, thereby improving transparency and compliance within campaign finance reporting.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated trajectory and general implications based on the provided action history. For precise statutory changes, text of the bill and accompanying analyses would be required.

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

Sign in to ask a question.