CA SB1394

Prohibits paying individuals money or anything of value based on the number of signatures obtained on state or local initiative, referendum, or recall petitions.

Makes it a misdemeanor to pay someone based on signature count, with penalties of a fine of $25,000 or $50 per signature (whichever is greater), or up to one year in county jail, or both.

Allows the Attorney General or private citizens (qui tam plaintiffs) to bring civil actions for violations, with recovery distributed as: 33% to the Attorney General, 17-50% to the private plaintiff, and remaining funds to the Secretary of State for voter registration.

Permits private plaintiffs to recover reasonable expenses, costs, and attorney's fees if they prevail, and provides whistleblower protections against retaliation.

Does not restrict paying signature gatherers with compensation not tied to the number of signatures obtained.