Voter information guide.

The California Assembly Committee on Elections proposes comprehensive updates to election-related terminology and procedures in state law, focusing on voter information materials and campaign finance regulations. The legislation standardizes references to voter guides across state code while clarifying rules for campaign contributions and enhancing voter information accessibility.

Under the measure, candidates whose names do not appear on primary election ballots and who have not qualified for write-in votes would no longer be required to refund general election campaign contributions. These candidates could instead transfer such funds to committees for the same or different offices, subject to existing attribution requirements. The bill also maintains provisions allowing candidates to establish separate campaign accounts for primary and general elections in jurisdictions without local contribution limits.

The proposal revises requirements for state and county voter information guides, mandating specific content including complete measure texts, fiscal analyses, and arguments for and against ballot measures. For statewide referendums, the guides must list the top three financial contributors who spent $50,000 or more to qualify the measure. The Legislative Analyst would continue preparing impartial measure analyses, working with a public review committee to ensure clarity and comprehension for average voters. All guides must meet minimum standards for font size, paper quality, and public examination periods before printing.

The legislation requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers for passage, as it amends the Political Reform Act of 1974. While making no direct appropriations, the measure aims to standardize and modernize California's voter information and campaign finance systems through updated terminology and refined procedures.