Political Reform Act of 1974: contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals.

Assembly Members Pacheco and Alanis propose expanding California's restrictions on foreign influence in state and local elections by prohibiting foreign nationals from making political contributions or expenditures. The legislation amends the Political Reform Act of 1974 to extend existing prohibitions that currently apply only to foreign governments and foreign principals.

The bill defines foreign nationals as individuals who are neither U.S. citizens nor lawfully admitted permanent residents, with an explicit exemption for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status whose deferrals remain active. Under the amended law, foreign nationals would be barred from making direct or indirect contributions, expenditures, or independent expenditures related to state and local ballot measures or candidate elections. The prohibition also applies to persons or committees soliciting or accepting such contributions.

The legislation maintains the current definition of foreign principals, which encompasses foreign political parties, certain persons outside the United States, foreign-based organizations, and domestic subsidiaries of foreign corporations where contribution decisions are made by non-citizen, non-permanent resident officers or directors. Violations would constitute misdemeanors punishable by fines equal to the amount contributed or expended. The bill requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers for passage, as it amends a voter-approved initiative.