Governor Newsom Signs Legislation to Protect California Ballot Measures from Foreign Influence

• Alina Evans
• Communications Director
• (916) 319-2064
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Legislation to prohibit foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures in connection with state or local ballot measures was signed into law today by Governor Gavin Newsom.

The new constraint, AB 953, authored by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), aligns California with federal election standards and strengthens the state's direct-democracy process.

While federal law bars foreign nationals from contributing to candidates, California law left ballot-measure campaigns - where contributions are unlimited - vulnerable to foreign money if a donor were physically in the United States.

"California's elections should be decided by Californians - not foreign money," said Assemblywoman Pacheco. "AB 953 closes a loophole allowing foreign nationals to monetarily influence our ballot measures, protecting the integrity of our democracy."

California already restricts contributions from foreign governments and certain foreign principals, but existing definitions did not cover foreign nationals who are physically present in the U.S. AB 953 ensures that foreign influence cannot flow into ballot-measure campaigns through that crack.

AB 953 is sponsored by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

"At the FPPC, our role is to safeguard the integrity of California's elections," said Adam E. Silver, Chair of the FPPC. "AB 953 closes a significant gap in state law that left ballot measure campaigns - where contributions are unlimited - vulnerable to foreign influence. "This bill helps ensure that our state's laws are crafted in the best interests of Californians, and not foreign interests. Thank you to Assemblymembers Blanca Pacheco and Juan Alanis (co-author) for their leadership on this important issue."

To schedule an interview with Assemblywoman Pacheco, contact Alina Evans at 831.331.8468.