Political Reform Act of 1974: contribution limits.

Senator Blakespear's campaign finance reform 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, with the amount continuing to adjust for inflation in odd-numbered years.

The measure authorizes the Judicial Council, school districts, and community college districts to impose stricter contribution limits for their respective offices beyond the state baseline. These entities may establish their own enforcement mechanisms, including administrative, civil, or criminal penalties, though the Fair Political Practices Commission will not oversee these local restrictions.

For candidates who advance from primary to general elections, the bill maintains existing provisions allowing them to carry over unused primary funds and raise general election contributions in advance. If a candidate wins outright in the primary, they may transfer remaining primary funds to future campaign committees without attribution requirements, while general election funds must be attributed to specific donors when transferred. The legislation preserves current exemptions from contribution limits for candidates using personal funds and for elected officials facing recall attempts.

The bill expands the scope of campaign finance violations classified as misdemeanors under the Political Reform Act. While this creates new enforcement obligations for local agencies, the measure specifies that no state reimbursement is required for these additional costs.