SB 398 and SB 42 strengthen election integrity, protect voters and expand democratic participation

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two of his major election reform measures into law: Senate Bill 398 and Senate Bill 42. Together, these bills represent a historic step forward in protecting the integrity of California’s elections and ensuring voters, not billionaires or special interests, remain at the center of democracy.

“California is the most diverse state in the world’s most diverse democracy. Right now, our founding ideals and values are being shredded before our eyes in Washington D.C., and California will not sit idle," said Governor Newsom. "These new laws further protect Californians’ voices and civic participation in what makes our state and our country great.”

“California has sent a clear message: our democracy belongs to the people,” said Senator Umberg.  “With SB 398 and SB 42, we are protecting voters from manipulative schemes and empowering communities to decide how campaigns are financed in our state. These laws reaffirm California’s commitment to fair, transparent, and accessible elections.”

Senate Bill 398 - Criminalizing Lotteries for Voter Registration:

SB 398 makes it a crime to offer money, prizes, or other valuable consideration—such as lotteries—in exchange for registering to vote. This legislation was introduced after national groups attempted to exploit loopholes in federal law by dangling million-dollar prize drawings in exchange for signatures or registrations. SB 398 closes this dangerous loophole in California by explicitly prohibiting such practices. Violators may face fines up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

By enacting SB 398, California is ensuring that wealthy special interests cannot manipulate voter participation through flashy giveaways or gimmicks, reaffirming that voting is a sacred duty, not a transaction.

Senate Bill 42 - Public Financing Fair Elections Act:

SB 42 gives California voters the opportunity to decide, on the November 2026 ballot, whether to repeal the current statewide prohibition on public campaign financing. Currently, only charter cities may establish public financing programs, while all other jurisdictions are banned due to a 1988 initiative. SB 42 would restore local and state authority to create such programs while requiring strong safeguards to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure fairness.

The measure does not mandate public financing but simply allows voters and local governments the choice. If approved by voters, SB 42 could help level the playing field, reduce the influence of wealthy donors, and open the door for a more diverse pool of candidates to run for office.

With SB 398 and SB 42, California is taking proactive steps to secure election integrity and expand democratic participation. These measures protect voters from exploitation and give communities the tools to demand fairer, more transparent campaign systems.

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 Senator Thomas J. Umberg represents the 34th Senate District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, La Habra, Long Beach, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, and East and South Whittier. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former federal prosecutor, and small businessman. He and his wife, Brigadier General Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.