California Enacts New Rules for Political Advertisements
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two measures changing political advertising regulations. One law bars public agencies from using public funds for large-format ads that include a photograph of an elected officer connected to the agency, while the other updates disclosure requirements for print and electronic political ads, including yard signs and billboards. Both laws take effect on January 1, 2027.
California's new laws, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, target two areas of political messaging. Assembly Bill 2413 blocks agencies from paying for oversized public ads that feature a photo of an elected official tied to the agency. Covered formats include billboards, bus wraps, bus-stop displays, and other public ads at least 24 by 36 inches.
Senate Bill 900 treats yard signs and billboards as print ads. It offers shorter required statements for independent-expenditure messages and mandates that ads larger than 187 square inches list the three biggest contributors with clear bullets or numbers. Electronic ads on physical surfaces face the same rule. Both take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The changes may affect local agencies, candidates, independent spenders, and voters. Public bodies could face tighter limits on ads that appear to promote officeholders, potentially reducing incumbent visibility at taxpayer expense. Campaigns and outside groups may need to adjust yard signs, billboards, and electronic displays to meet clearer disclosure rules, which could make funding sources easier for voters to see. Enforcement and compliance costs may vary.