Campaign Disclosure Requirements
State law requires the filing of campaign disclosure statements by local candidates for elective office, elected officeholders, and committees supporting or opposing local candidates or ballot measures. Statements are filed on a regular cycle, with additional statements required during election years. These statements provide the public with details on who contributes money to a committee, and how that money is spent. Disclosure requirements are quite complicated. Those involved with campaign committees should become fully aware of the legal requirements surrounding campaign reporting.
When Do I File?
There are various filing deadlines for candidates and committees depending on the type of committee, and whether or not that committee is involved in an active election. There are also special quarterly filing deadlines for measure committees during the petition qualification process. The on and off year election filing schedules are available on the FPPC's website. Measure committees with qualified initiatives or in the process of qualification require additional quarterly filings. Disclosure forms with a 24 hour filing deadline must file electronically.
What Do I File?
Typical forms include: Candidate Intention Statement Form 501; Statement of Organization Form 410; Recipient Committee Campaign Statement Form 460; Officeholder/Candidate Campaign Statement — Short Form 470; 24-Hour Independent Expenditure Report Form 496; and 24-Hour Contribution Report Form 497. For a comprehensive listing of disclosure forms and/or detailed instructional manuals, visit the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) website.
How Do I File? - Electronic Filings
To provide greater access to the public, the Sacramento City Code requires these groups to file all disclosures electronically. Paper filings are no longer accepted. The only exceptions allowing for the receipt of paper filings are Major Donor forms and initial 410 forms establishing a new committee. This provision is contained in Sacramento City Code section 2.13 related to Campaign Contribution Limits, and section 2.14 related to Campaign Spending Limits and Public Campaign Financing.
To assist filers in meeting this obligation, the City of Sacramento is providing, free of charge, an Internet based electronic campaign disclosure statement filing system. The system is fully searchable for use by the public. This ensures that receipts and expenditures in city election campaigns are fully and truthfully disclosed, and that voters may be fully informed. Elected officials, candidates, and committees who are required to file campaign disclosure statements with the City of Sacramento may do so through this system. (Note - a password is required for those filing electronic statements).
Where Do I File?
Candidates and committees (including ballot measure and independent expenditure committees) within the jurisdiction of the City of Sacramento are required to file their disclosure statements with the Office of the City Clerk. Filers are also required to submit statements electronically.
Independent Expenditure Committees
Sacramento City Code section 2.13 Article VI contains regulations pertaining to independent expenditures made in support of, or in opposition to, any candidate for city office. These regulations are applicable to any person or organization who makes an independent expenditure of more than $5,000 in support or opposition to any candidate for city office.
Responsibility of Filers
This website is intended to provide general information regarding campaign disclosure reporting. To the extent this information conflicts with state or local law, the law controls. Additional filing requirements may apply. If you have questions about what you are required to file, where to file it, or when to file it, please visit the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) website or call toll free at 1-866-ASK-FPPC.
Need Assistance or Have Questions?
We are happy to assist you. Please contact us via email at: clerk@cityofsacramento.org, or by phone at (916) 808-7200.