Political Reform Act of 1974: contribution limits.

Senator Blakespear's campaign finance legislation extends California's existing contribution limits to candidates for judicial, school district, and community college district offices starting January 1, 2027. The bill applies the current $5,900 per-election cap that governs state, county and city races to these additional offices while allowing their governing bodies to impose stricter limits.

The measure authorizes the Judicial Council to establish more restrictive contribution limits for judicial candidates, while granting similar authority to school districts and community college districts for their respective offices. These entities may also adopt enforcement mechanisms, including administrative, civil, or criminal penalties for violations of locally-imposed limits.

The legislation maintains the existing framework for campaign fund management, including provisions for carrying over contributions between elections, establishing separate primary and general election accounts, and forming committees to oppose recall measures. It preserves current exemptions for candidates' personal funds and commercial loans made in the regular course of business. The Fair Political Practices Commission retains responsibility for adjusting the base contribution limits biennially according to changes in the Consumer Price Index.