CA AB249

Repeals provisions requiring ballot measure committees to identify themselves using names that clearly identify major donors' economic interests and disclose common employers of major donors.

Establishes the "California Disclose Act" requiring advertisements paid for by committees to include "Paid for by" disclosures and identify the committee's top three contributors who gave $50,000 or more, with specific format requirements for radio, television, print, and electronic media.

Expands mass mailing disclosure requirements to include mass electronic mailings and requires telephone calls advocating for candidates or measures to disclose the organization that paid for the call, unless paid for by independent expenditures.

Clarifies that earmarked contributions must be disclosed under intermediary contribution rules and requires committees receiving earmarked funds to identify the original contributors and ultimate recipients on campaign statements.

Applies immediately as an urgency statute for preparation of 2018 elections, with substantive provisions operative January 1, 2018.