CA AB270

Permits public officers and candidates to accept public funds for seeking elective office if funds are not earmarked for education, transportation, or public safety, and allows states or local entities to establish public financing systems through statute, ordinance, or charter.

Requires candidates receiving public funds to meet strict criteria demonstrating broad-based support (such as small-dollar contributions up to $10 from residents), abide by expenditure limits, and prohibits use of public funds for legal fees, fines, or repaying personal campaign loans.

Allows statutes, ordinances, or charters to increase expenditure limits for participating candidates based on a formula tied to other candidates' Net Supportive Funds and independent expenditures, and exempts the Fair Political Practices Commission from administering local public funding systems.

Increases criminal penalties for foreign governments or foreign principals making campaign contributions or expenditures from a flat fine equal to the amount contributed to a fine of at least the amount contributed but not exceeding three times that amount.

Requires the Secretary of State to submit the bill's provisions to voters for approval at the November 3, 2026 statewide general election as an amendment to the voter-approved Political Reform Act of 1974.