Behested payments: public appeal for payment.

Senator Allen's legislation modifies California's behested payment reporting requirements by creating new exemptions for public officials who make broad fundraising appeals. The measure amends the Political Reform Act of 1974, which currently requires elected officers and Public Utilities Commission members to report payments over $5,000 made at their behest for legislative, governmental or charitable purposes.

Under the proposed changes, officials would not need to report behested payments that result from public appeals made through television, radio, billboards, or online platforms. This exemption also applies to public speeches, unless given at fundraising events where the official consents to be a featured speaker or actively solicits contributions. However, the reporting requirement remains in place if the official or their immediate family, campaign staff, or office staff hold positions within the recipient non-governmental organization, such as board membership, paid employment, founding member status, or advisory roles.

The bill maintains existing transparency mechanisms by requiring officials to file reports within 30 days of learning that a specific payment was made in response to their public appeal, even if that knowledge comes up to two years after the fact. These reports must include the payor's information, payment amounts and dates, recipient details, and descriptions of any goods, services or events involved. State and local agencies must forward copies to the Fair Political Practices Commission or appropriate oversight body.