RI - Media FAQs

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The FPPC Communications Office is here to help you understand the many areas surrounding the Political Reform Act, which is often described as the PRA or the Act.

We try to answer as many questions as thoroughly as possible, but in many cases we are unable to comment on specific situations. The reason for this is fairness. First, absent a full investigation, we do not know all the facts and most situations are very fact specific. Second, we want to avoid any public comment that could impede an ongoing investigation. And lastly, until there is a final resolution of a case, we do not want to accuse or exonerate someone based on an alleged violation of the Act. That’s one reason why "fair" is part of our name. We will conclude whether or not a violation has occurred only after a thorough investigation and a determination by the Commission. With these principles in mind, we often provide answers in general terms.

We also try to provide guidance and point to sections of the law and regulations that are relevant to your questions. Below are answers to some common questions.

Getting Started

At its core, the FPPC regulates and enforces campaign finance reporting for candidates and committees, lobbying activity and conflict of interest issues for public officials. These are the main principles covered by the Act.

In 1974, California voters approved Proposition 9, the Political Reform Act, which created the FPPC to administer, interpret and enforce the law.

Complaints/Investigations/Enforcement

Campaign Finance

State campaign and lobbying reports are filed with the Secretary of State’s Office. At the local level, they are filed with city and county clerks’ or Registrar of Voters’ offices. The largest category of forms filed with the FPPC are Form 700s. However, we also receive Form 462 (independent expenditure verification) and Form T10 contributors, and some other forms, like to report certain behested payments.

Conflicts of Interests

A Statement of Economic Interests (SEI) is commonly referred to as a Form 700. It’s the document public officials have to file detailing their relevant financial interests, such as property, business positions and/or ownership, investments, income, and gifts. The purpose is to give the public the ability to see the financial interests of their public officials to ensure the officials are making decisions to best serve the public, and not acting in their own financial interests. Merely reporting an economic interest is not a conflict in itself; a conflict may arise when a governmental decision made by the official impacts the official's economic interests. The Form 700 is signed under penalty of perjury.

These FAQ’s will cover the basics. There is more specific information Frequently Asked Questions: Form 700 Disclosure.