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AB-1789 • 2026

Political Reform Act of 1974: candidate trainings.

Political Reform Act of 1974: candidate trainings.

Elections
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Boerner
Last action
Official status
Senate - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text states this bill creates a new crime for violating contribution prohibitions but does not specify the exact penalties or enforcement procedures in the summary.

AB-1789: Training Requirements for Candidates and Treasurers

Starting January 1, 2029, this law requires candidates with candidate-controlled committees and their treasurers to finish specific training on election rules before the committee can accept money.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires individuals filing a statement of intention for elective office with a candidate-controlled committee to complete a training course on the Political Reform Act of 1974 by January 1, 2029.
  • Prohibits any committee controlled by a candidate from receiving contributions if that candidate has not completed the required training.
  • Requires treasurers for candidate-controlled committees to complete a separate training course on the rules applying to their committee starting January 1, 2029.
  • Stops committees whose treasurer has not finished the training from accepting any contributions until the course is done.
  • Exempts individuals who are required to take and have already completed similar training offered by a local government ethics agency.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Individuals filing a statement of intention to run for elective office with a candidate-controlled committee.
  • Treasurers serving on candidate-controlled committees.

Terms To Know

Candidate controlled committee
A group that manages money and resources for a specific person running for an elected office, as defined by the Political Reform Act of 1974.
Statement of intention
An official form filed to announce plans to run for public office with a candidate-controlled committee.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The training requirement does not apply if the candidate states on their filing that they do not intend to qualify as a committee receiving more than $2,000 in contributions.
  • People who have already completed similar ethics training from local agencies are exempt.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Senate - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

Political Reform Act of 1974: candidate trainings.