AB-359
Government Operations

Fair Political Practices Commission.

Enrolled
CA
2025-2026 Regular Session
0
0
Track

Key Takeaways

  • Expands the Fair Political Practices Commission's authority to oversee local campaign finance and ethics laws.
  • Authorizes the Commission to conduct audits of local campaign finance activities.
  • Requires local governments to reimburse the Commission for enforcement costs.
  • Excludes jurisdictions with populations over 3 million from Commission oversight.

Summary

Assembly Member Ramos's legislation expands the Fair Political Practices Commission's authority to oversee local campaign finance and government ethics laws, adding audit powers to the Commission's existing enforcement capabilities when partnering with local agencies. The bill removes previous sunset provisions and reporting requirements that would have expired in 2026, making permanent the Commission's ability to enter into enforcement agreements with local jurisdictions.

Under the amended framework, local government agencies with populations under 3 million may voluntarily partner with the Commission through mutual agreements for administration and enforcement of their campaign finance and ethics ordinances. These agreements must outline cost reimbursement terms, which require review by the Department of General Services before implementation. Either party may terminate an agreement with 90 days' notice. The Commission maintains authority to investigate violations and pursue administrative or civil actions without seeking additional local approval once an agreement is in place.

The legislation repeals separate provisions that previously applied to San Bernardino County while establishing a uniform statewide system for Commission oversight of local campaign finance and ethics laws. The Commission must maintain a public list of all participating jurisdictions on its website. Local agencies must consult with the Commission before adopting or amending relevant ordinances that would fall under these enforcement agreements.

Key Dates

Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AB 359 Ramos Concurrence in Senate Amendments
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Consent Calendar 2nd AB359 Ramos
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Hearing
Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar
Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AB 359 Ramos Assembly Third Reading
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Do pass
Assembly Elections Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Elections Hearing
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar
Introduced
Assembly Floor
Introduced
Read first time. To print.

Contacts

Profile
James RamosD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
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Profile
James RamosD
Assemblymember
Bill Author

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

James Ramos
James RamosD
California State Assembly Member
70% progression
Bill has passed both houses in identical form and is being prepared for the Governor (8/25/2025)

Latest Voting History

August 25, 2025
PASS
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
760379PASS

Key Takeaways

  • Expands the Fair Political Practices Commission's authority to oversee local campaign finance and ethics laws.
  • Authorizes the Commission to conduct audits of local campaign finance activities.
  • Requires local governments to reimburse the Commission for enforcement costs.
  • Excludes jurisdictions with populations over 3 million from Commission oversight.

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

James Ramos
James RamosD
California State Assembly Member

Summary

Assembly Member Ramos's legislation expands the Fair Political Practices Commission's authority to oversee local campaign finance and government ethics laws, adding audit powers to the Commission's existing enforcement capabilities when partnering with local agencies. The bill removes previous sunset provisions and reporting requirements that would have expired in 2026, making permanent the Commission's ability to enter into enforcement agreements with local jurisdictions.

Under the amended framework, local government agencies with populations under 3 million may voluntarily partner with the Commission through mutual agreements for administration and enforcement of their campaign finance and ethics ordinances. These agreements must outline cost reimbursement terms, which require review by the Department of General Services before implementation. Either party may terminate an agreement with 90 days' notice. The Commission maintains authority to investigate violations and pursue administrative or civil actions without seeking additional local approval once an agreement is in place.

The legislation repeals separate provisions that previously applied to San Bernardino County while establishing a uniform statewide system for Commission oversight of local campaign finance and ethics laws. The Commission must maintain a public list of all participating jurisdictions on its website. Local agencies must consult with the Commission before adopting or amending relevant ordinances that would fall under these enforcement agreements.

70% progression
Bill has passed both houses in identical form and is being prepared for the Governor (8/25/2025)

Key Dates

Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AB 359 Ramos Concurrence in Senate Amendments
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Consent Calendar 2nd AB359 Ramos
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Hearing
Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar
Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AB 359 Ramos Assembly Third Reading
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Do pass
Assembly Elections Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Elections Hearing
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar
Introduced
Assembly Floor
Introduced
Read first time. To print.

Latest Voting History

August 25, 2025
PASS
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
760379PASS

Contacts

Profile
James RamosD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 1 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 1
Select All Legislators
Profile
James RamosD
Assemblymember
Bill Author