CA AB1167

Prohibits electrical and gas corporations from recovering costs from ratepayers for political influence activities, promotional advertising, charitable giving, trade association dues that support lobbying, political contributions, penalties/fines, and executive board expenses including aircraft and liability insurance

Requires utilities to clearly disclose in all public messages whether costs are paid by shareholders or ratepayers, following candidate disclosure rules

Mandates annual reporting by May 31, 2026 and thereafter detailing covered business units, employee compensation, hours booked to ratepayer accounts, and vendor expenses for political activities

Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to assess civil penalties based on violation severity against utilities that improperly charge ratepayers for prohibited expenses

Exempts from restrictions: appearances before regulatory bodies related to utility operations, commission-approved energy efficiency programs, responses to legislative requests for technical information, and payments under federal labor relations acts