California AB 1130 Adds $5,000 Fines for Undisclosed Influencer Political Ads
California's AB 1130 allows $5,000 fines and misdemeanor referrals when paid influencers fail to disclose political posts under the new law.
Summary
By September 20, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom had signed AB 1130, allowing regulators to fine online influencers up to $5,000 per violation for failing to disclose payment for posts about state or local races. California already required disclosure, but violations carried no fines or criminal penalties. Regulators may now also refer cases to law enforcement for possible misdemeanor charges. Texas has a similar requirement for paid political content, and other states are considering comparable rules.
Democratic Assemblyman Marc Berman sponsored AB 1130 after identifying ambiguity in the previous law and its enforcement. The issue gained urgency after billionaire Tom Steyer paid dozens of influencers to promote his unsuccessful 2026 campaign for the Democratic nomination for California governor, with many initially failing to disclose the payments. Newsom signed AB 1130 within a broader legislative package that his office says will protect against potential election interference by President Donald Trump.
Positives
- Fines of up to $5,000 per violation give California regulators a direct enforcement tool for undisclosed influencer political advertising.
- Law enforcement referrals create possible misdemeanor consequences beyond financial penalties.
- Marc Berman's AB 1130 addresses ambiguity in California's previous disclosure law and its enforcement.
- Texas already requires disclosure for paid political content, while other states are considering similar transparency rules.
Risks & concerns
- Many influencers paid by Tom Steyer initially failed to disclose their compensation while promoting his 2026 gubernatorial campaign.
- California's previous disclosure requirement carried no fines or criminal penalties, limiting its practical force.
- Influencers now face fines for each violation and possible misdemeanor referrals if they omit required disclosures.
- Newsom's office warns of potential election interference by President Donald Trump, citing that concern in its broader legislative package.