CA SB1151

Requires individuals acting as agents of foreign principals to register with the California Secretary of State using the same registration procedures and frequency as lobbyists and lobbying firms.

Defines "agent of a foreign principal" to include persons who communicate with state officials to influence legislative or administrative action, serve as public relations counsel, solicit contributions, or represent foreign interests before state agencies on behalf of a foreign principal.

Agents of foreign principals must disclose compensation received from each foreign principal, complete ethics training, and pay the same fees as lobbyists, with registration statements posted online within five business days.

Exempts certain individuals specified in federal Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) from state registration requirements, while noting that state registration does not excuse compliance with federal FARA obligations.

Violations of the registration and reporting requirements are enforceable by the California Secretary of State as misdemeanors under the Political Reform Act of 1974.