Late signature curing expenditure reports.

Senator Cervantes's proposal to expand California's campaign finance reporting requirements would create new disclosure obligations for political committees engaged in post-election signature verification activities. The legislation establishes a framework for reporting "late signature curing expenditures" - defined as spending on voter contact related to ballot signature verification after election day but before results are certified.

Under the proposed requirements, committees would need to report these expenditures within 24 hours, detailing the amount spent, date, and description of services provided. Reports must include the committee's identifying information and specify whether the spending supports or opposes particular candidates or ballot measures. For submissions to the Secretary of State, committees would be required to file electronically, while other jurisdictions could accept reports via email, fax, overnight delivery, or in person.

The measure builds upon existing campaign finance law, which already mandates 24-hour reporting of independent expenditures made within 90 days of an election. These new signature curing expenditure reports would be required in addition to, rather than in place of, other campaign statements required under current regulations. The bill specifies that local agencies would not require state reimbursement for implementation costs, as the changes relate to reporting requirements rather than creating new programs or services.