Political Reform Act of 1974: filing deadlines: emergency situations.

CA SB401 amends the Political Reform Act of 1974 to establish new filing deadlines for political documents during emergency situations. This means that if an emergency occurs, the usual deadlines for submitting certain political filings can be adjusted to ensure compliance. The goal is to maintain transparency in political processes even when unforeseen events happen.

CA SB401 is a senate bill in the California 2025-2026 Regular Session, sponsored by Melissa Hurtado (D), currently “Passed” since September 30, 2026.

We track 5,060 California bills this session, 36 of them sponsored by Melissa Hurtado.

The key recorded vote (Senate, August 24, 2026) ended 40–0 and passed.

Supporters of CA SB401 argue that the bill enhances the flexibility of the Political Reform Act, allowing for timely adjustments during emergencies. They believe this will help ensure that the political process remains transparent and accessible, even in challenging circumstances. By accommodating emergencies, the bill demonstrates a commitment to democracy and accountability.

Critics of CA SB401 may contend that altering filing deadlines during emergencies could lead to confusion and potential misuse of the system. They might argue that it opens the door for political maneuvering and could undermine the integrity of the Political Reform Act. Concerns may also arise about the lack of clarity on what constitutes an emergency, which could lead to inconsistent applications of the law.

Source: LegiScan roll call vote data.