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AB-26 • 2026

Eliminate the Politicians’ Perks Act of 2025.

Eliminate the Politicians’ Perks Act of 2025.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
DeMaio
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
Died at Desk.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide details on enforcement mechanisms and penalties, leaving this information uncertain.

Eliminate Politicians' Special Benefits Act

This act aims to prohibit members of the Legislature from accepting gifts or trading individual stocks, impose a lifetime ban on lobbying for former legislators, eliminate exemptions for labor and public record laws, and remove government pensions for local elected officials.

What This Bill Does

  • It prohibits Members of the Legislature from accepting gifts or trading in individual stock while in office.
  • It imposes a lifetime lobbying ban on former legislators.
  • It eliminates special exemptions for the Legislature from labor and public record laws.
  • It removes government pensions for local elected officials.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Members of the Legislature
  • Former legislators who want to become lobbyists
  • Local elected officials

Terms To Know

lobbyist
A person who tries to influence decisions made by government officials.
pension
Money that the government gives people after they retire from working for it.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill did not become a law because it died at the governor's desk on February 2, 2026.
  • It is unclear how this act would be enforced or what specific penalties there would be for breaking these rules.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    Died at Desk.

  2. 2024-12-03 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee January 2.

  3. 2024-12-02 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 26, as introduced, DeMaio.
Eliminate the Politicians’ Perks Act of 2025.
The Political Reform Act of 1974 establishes the Fair Political Practices Commission and imposes various restrictions on public officials for the purpose of avoiding conflicts of interests.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that holds elected officials accountable by prohibiting Members of the Legislature from accepting gifts or trading in individual stock, imposing a lifetime lobbying ban, eliminating exemptions for the Legislature from labor, workplace, and public record laws, and eliminating government pensions for local elected officials.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF