Repeals Prohibition Against Public Funding of Election Campaigns
Allows state and local governments to create public financing programs for candidates.
State and local governments could choose to provide public funds to qualifying candidates under program rules they establish. The measure would also set limits on funding sources, candidate eligibility, spending, and use of public funds.
What it does
- Repeals the general ban on using public funds for candidates’ election campaigns.
- Allows state and local governments to establish public campaign-financing programs, but does not create a program itself.
- Requires participating candidates to meet criteria showing broad-based district support and to follow voluntary spending limits.
- Bars use of funds earmarked for education, transportation, or public safety.
- Bars public funds from paying legal defense fees, fines, or a candidate’s personal loan to their campaign.
- Raises the maximum fine for prohibited foreign campaign contributions or spending to three times the amount contributed or spent.
Who it affects
- State and local governments that choose to establish campaign-financing programs.
- Candidates for state and local office who choose to participate and meet program requirements.
- The Fair Political Practices Commission, which could provide guidance but would not administer or enforce local programs.
Context
Current law generally prohibits state and local governments from using public funds for candidates’ campaigns, with exceptions in certain charter cities. Current law also limits the fine for prohibited foreign campaign contributions or spending to the amount involved.
A yes vote means
A yes vote would allow state and local governments to establish public campaign-financing programs for qualifying candidates, subject to the measure’s restrictions.
A no vote means
A no vote would keep the general prohibition on state and local public funding of candidates’ election campaigns and retain the current maximum fine for prohibited foreign campaign contributions or spending.
Fiscal effect
The Legislative Analyst's Office estimates:
- Ongoing costs to the state of a few hundred thousand dollars each year for the Fair Political Practices Commission to answer questions from state and local governments about public campaign finance programs.