Elections: statewide initiative and referendum petitions: disclosures.

Assembly Member Ortega's initiative to modify California's ballot measure process introduces new disclosure requirements for statewide initiatives and referendums, focusing on financial transparency and voter awareness of campaign funding sources.

The legislation requires state initiative and referendum petitions to include a checkbox where signers must confirm their review of the Official Top Funders disclosure. Petition sections must display notices in 11-point boldface type instructing voters to sign only after reviewing current funding disclosures. The measure also mandates that ballots list the three largest contributors to committees supporting and opposing each measure, along with a web address where voters can access complete contributor information.

For ballot labels, the bill establishes specific formatting requirements for listing supporters and opponents. Organizations must verify their eligibility by demonstrating at least four years of operation and either maintaining one full-time employee or, for nonprofits, receiving contributions from more than 500 donors. The Secretary of State must verify all submissions and make contributor information available for public review before ballot printing, during which voters may seek amendments through writs of mandate.

The provisions apply to initiatives and referendums receiving Attorney General titles and summaries after the bill's effective date. County election officials will receive state reimbursement for additional costs associated with implementing these requirements through existing statutory mechanisms.