Political Reform Act of 1974: contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals.

Assembly Members Pacheco and Alanis propose expanding California's restrictions on foreign influence in state and local elections by prohibiting foreign nationals from making political contributions or expenditures. The legislation amends the Political Reform Act of 1974 to bar foreign nationals - defined as individuals who are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents - from financially supporting or opposing candidates and ballot measures.

The bill creates specific exemptions for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, allowing them to participate in the political process through campaign contributions and expenditures. It maintains existing prohibitions on contributions from foreign governments and foreign principals, which include foreign political parties, foreign-based organizations, and certain domestic subsidiaries of foreign corporations where contribution decisions are made by non-U.S. citizen officers or directors.

Violations would constitute misdemeanors punishable by fines equal to the amount contributed or expended. The measure requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, reflecting its status as an amendment to an initiative statute. While expanding enforcement obligations, the bill specifies that local agencies will not receive state reimbursement for any associated costs, as these derive from modifications to existing criminal statutes.