FPPC legislative counsel: 11 bills affecting the Political Reform Act signed; most take effect Jan. 1, 2026
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Summary
Legislative counsel reported that the Legislature passed 11 bills this year affecting the Political Reform Act; six were FPPC-sponsored. Most take effect on January 1, 2026; AB 1029 has a delayed operative date of January 1, 2027, and SB 42 requires voter approval and will appear on the 2026 ballot.
Senior FPPC Legislative Counsel Lindsey Nakano briefed commissioners on the final results of the 2025 legislative session, reporting that the Legislature passed 11 bills this year that affect the Political Reform Act and that the governor signed them all.
Nakano said six of the signed bills were sponsored by the FPPC. She told commissioners that, except for two measures, the bills take effect on January 1, 2026. She highlighted two exceptions: AB 1029, which requires disclosure of digital financial‑asset holdings on the Form 700, has an operative date delayed by one year and will take effect January 1, 2027; and SB 42, a public‑campaign‑financing measure, must be approved by voters and is scheduled to appear on the November 2026 ballot.
Why it matters: changes enacted by the Legislature will change compliance obligations for many filers and may require the FPPC to update forms, guidance, and training. Nakano said staff will present proposed legislative ideas next month to develop the 2026 package and that staff will begin stakeholder outreach and drafting where commissioners give direction.
Ending: Nakano invited commissioners to submit ideas for next year’s legislative package and noted the agency will continue to coordinate with stakeholders and potential bill authors in the coming months.