On January 1, 2013, Assembly Bill 2452 went into effect adding Government Code section 84615, which allows a local government agency to require an elected officer, candidate, committee, or other person required to file statements, reports, or other documents to file those statements, reports, or other documents online or electronically with a local filing officer. The new law also prescribes criteria that must be satisfied by a local government agency that requires online or electronic filing of statements, reports, or other documents, as specified; including, among others, that the system be available free of charge to filers and to the public for viewing filings, and that the system include a procedure for filers to comply with the requirement that they sign statements and reports under penalty of perjury. The electronic reporting requirement applies to existing filers who are on-file in the County Clerk-Recorder Elections Division and who will be notified via email and in writing of the new requirements. Accounts will be established for, and training provided to, all filers covered by this requirement. Provision will be made for an in-office kiosk for filers who lack easy access to the on-line filing system. The goal of the proposed ordinance is to supplement the Political Reform Act by requiring electronic reporting of contributions and expenditures, regarding elections for all candidates and committees currently required to file campaign disclosure reports with the County Clerk-Recorder Elections Division. The purpose is to streamline the filing process, to increase timeliness and transparency, and to reduce expenses. The electronic filing system will operate securely and effectively and will not unduly burden filers. This ordinance does not impose any new or additional reporting requirements.

Should the Board elect not to adopt the ordinance, the paper filing processes for campaign finance reports will continue and the efficiencies of the online filing process will be forgone.