Assembly committee advances bill to require disclosure when campaigns pay social‑media influencers

Assemblymember Berman told the Elections Committee that AB 1130 updates existing campaign‑finance disclosure rules to address the rise of paid social‑media influencers.

"AB 1130 strengthens already existing disclosure requirements ' that we have to make it clear that, both campaigns and the social media influencers can be held liable and accountable for not following state law," Assemblymember Berman said, arguing the bill would improve transparency about campaign spending and create civil penalties for violations. He asked the committee for a vote, and the chair recommended support.

The committee advanced the measure with the recommendation that Senate amendments be concurred in; the clerk recorded the disposition as out of committee 7 to 0. Chair Pellerin noted procedures for witness testimony and the committee kept the roll open for an absent member before filing the item.

Why it matters: supporters said the change would force clearer reporting of payments for promotional content that may otherwise appear organic, closing a disclosure gap critics say can mislead voters. The bill was taken up as part of an agenda that also included measures addressing deepfakes and deceptive election materials.