An act to add Section 85201.5 to the Government Code, relating to the Political Reform Act of 1974.
Summary
AB 1789 would add a new section to the Government Code under the Political Reform Act of 1974 requiring campaign-related training for certain candidates and candidate-controlled committee treasurers. Beginning January 1, 2029, a person who files a statement of intention to run for elective office and has a candidate-controlled committee would have to complete a Political Reform Act training course covering campaign rules for that office. The bill also requires the committee’s treasurer to complete a separate training on the act’s requirements as they apply to the committee.
The bill sets deadlines for completing the training depending on when the candidate or committee registers, and it directs the Fair Political Practices Commission to develop and offer the courses online. The candidate course may not exceed 90 minutes and the treasurer course may not exceed 120 minutes. The bill exempts people who have already completed a similar local ethics training, and it also exempts candidates who state they do not intend to qualify as a committee that receives more than $2,000 in contributions, unless they later do so.
Impact
AB 1789 would add a new compliance requirement to California campaign finance law by conditioning a candidate-controlled committee’s ability to accept contributions on completion of mandatory training by the candidate and, separately, the treasurer. It would create a new Government Code section, expand the administrative duties of the Fair Political Practices Commission, and apply to future candidates and committees starting in 2029. The bill also states that it furthers the purposes of the Political Reform Act and that no state reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support and little opposition. The bill passed committee unanimously in an earlier vote and was later reported out of committee with a 5-0 vote and a recommendation to place it on the consent calendar. That pattern indicates the measure was generally viewed as a straightforward good-governance or compliance bill rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether mandatory training should be tied to a committee’s ability to receive contributions, since failure to complete the course would temporarily bar fundraising. Supporters appear to favor the bill as a way to improve compliance with campaign finance rules and reduce violations, while any potential concerns would likely come from candidates, treasurers, or small campaigns that may see the training and fundraising restriction as an added administrative burden. The bill addresses some of that concern by allowing online, on-demand completion and by exempting those who have already completed similar local ethics training or who do not plan to raise more than $2,000.