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SB-1175 • 2026

Lobbyist registration and termination.

Lobbyist registration and termination.

Labor
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Rubio
Last action
2026-04-08
Official status
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details on enforcement or penalties for non-compliance with new reporting requirements, leaving these aspects uncertain.

Lobbyist Reporting Changes

The bill changes how lobbyists report updates and end their registrations, requiring them to send these reports directly to the Secretary of State.

What This Bill Does

  • Changes the way lobbyists update or terminate their registration by sending information directly to the Secretary of State.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Lobbyists who need to update or terminate their registration with the Secretary of State.
  • The Secretary of State, who will receive direct reports from lobbyists instead of through employers.

Terms To Know

Political Reform Act
A law passed in 1974 that sets rules for political activities and lobbying to prevent corruption and increase transparency.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify how lobbyists will be informed about these changes.
  • It is unclear what happens if a lobbyist fails to submit their reports directly as required by this bill.
  • There are no details on enforcement or penalties for non-compliance with the new reporting requirements.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-08 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

  2. 2026-04-07 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (April 7).

  3. 2026-03-24 California Legislative Information

    From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on E. & C.A.

  4. 2026-03-16 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing April 7.

  5. 2026-02-26 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on E. & C.A.

  6. 2026-02-19 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 21.

  7. 2026-02-18 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 1175, as amended, Rubio.
Lobbyist registration and termination.
The Political Reform Act of 1974 requires individual lobbyists to prepare certifications, as specified, for filing with the Secretary of State. If any change occurs in the information contained in a lobbyist certification, or if a lobbyist terminates all activity that required certification, existing law requires the lobbyist to submit an amended certification or notice of termination to the lobbyist’s lobbying firm or lobbyist employer for filing with the Secretary of State within specified timelines.
This bill would instead require the lobbyist to submit the amended certification or notice of termination directly to the Secretary of State.
The Political Reform Act of 1974, an initiative measure, provides that the Legislature may amend the act to further the act’s purposes upon a
2
/
3
vote of each house of the Legislature and compliance with specified procedural requirements.
This bill would declare that it furthers the purposes of the act.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF