Political Reform Act of 1974: security expenses.

Assembly Member Bonta's proposal to modify California's campaign finance regulations would eliminate the current $10,000 lifetime cap on using campaign funds for security expenses through 2028, replacing it with an annual $10,000 per-person limit starting in 2029. The measure addresses how candidates and elected officials can use campaign money to protect themselves, their families, and staff when facing threats related to their political roles.

The legislation maintains existing parameters for qualifying security expenses, which include electronic monitoring systems, personal security services, and other protective measures - while explicitly excluding firearms and payments to close relatives. When security systems or equipment are purchased with campaign funds, they must be returned to the campaign committee or reimbursed at fair market value within one year of leaving office or ending a campaign. This timeline extends if law enforcement verifies an ongoing security threat.

To ensure proper oversight, the bill requires detailed documentation of security-related expenditures, including verification forms describing specific threats that necessitated the spending. Candidates and officials must report these expenses on campaign statements and maintain comprehensive records demonstrating the security needs that prompted the expenditures. The measure specifies that family members and staff are not personally liable for reimbursing security costs paid through campaign funds.