Politics
California Senate passes bill to fine online influencers who omit paid political disclosures
The legislation would allow the state's campaign commission to directly fine creators and committees up to $5,000 per undisclosed post.
The short version
- The California Senate passed a bill aimed at enforcing disclosure rules for content creators paid to promote political candidates or ballot measures.
- The proposal grants the Fair Political Practices Commission authority to directly impose fines of up to $5,000 per violation, bypassing a lengthier court process.
- The bill requires a final procedural vote in the California Assembly before advancing to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until the end of September to act.
Key facts
- The California Senate approved a bill authored by Democratic Assemblymember Marc Berman to increase enforcement against content creators who fail to disclose political payments.[Associated Press]
- The proposed law empowers the state's Fair Political Practices Commission to fine non-compliant influencers and political committees up to $5,000 per violation without needing a court order.[Associated Press]
- California and Texas currently require creators to post disclaimers for paid political material, but existing California law requires a months-long court process to compel disclosure.[Associated Press]
- The measure faces a final vote in the Assembly before going to Governor Gavin Newsom, who must sign or veto it by the end of September.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Governor Gavin Newsom will sign or veto the bill if it clears the Assembly.[Associated Press]