About FPPC

The Fair Political Practices Commission is a five-member independent, non-partisan commission that has primary responsibility for the impartial and effective administration of the Political Reform Act. The Act regulates campaign financing, conflicts of interest, lobbying, and governmental ethics. The Commission’s objectives are to ensure that public officials act in a fair and unbiased manner in the governmental decision-making process, to promote transparency in government, and to foster public trust in the political system.

Division and Duties

The Commission's staff is separated into four divisions. Learn more about each division on our FPPC Divisions and Duties page. 

Public Draws

Political Reform Education Program (PREP)

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Organization & Responsibilities

The FPPC is composed of five members appointed for staggered four year terms. The Chair and another member from a different political party are appointed by the Governor. Other members are appointed by the State Controller, Secretary of State and the Attorney General. No more than three Commissioners may be from the same political party. 

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Commission Hearings

Every month the FPPC meets to hear and vote on enforcement matters, adopt regulations, discuss legislative and litigation reports, and update the public about what is going on at the Commission. The hearings are open to the public and time is allotted for public comment. View agendas, meeting minutes, dates for future hearings, and more. 

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History of the FPPC

The Act and the FPPC were created in 1974 when California voters approved Proposition 9. In the wake of the Watergate scandal, Californians wanted to reign in the potential corruptive influence of special interests by creating an agency to enforce the most rigorous restrictions on fundraising and lobbying in the country. And since the adoption of the Act, the Commission has been responsible for shining light on some of the most egregious violations of campaign and governmental ethics. 

The FPPC Today

Looking forward, there are several goals the Commission is promoting to help foster the public’s trust in our political system. Foremost, we will continue to diligently prosecute serious violations of the law, ensuring that officials operate in a way that does not betray the public’s confidence. Second, the Commission will increase transparency by utilizing technology to provide “smart disclosure,” giving more people easy access to vital information about their public officials and campaign financing. Finally, we will concentrate on adopting meaningful reforms while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Our objective is to streamline the rules to reduce redundancy, eliminate loopholes and improve accountability with more timely and accurate disclosures. Throughout its 40-year history the Commission has stood out as a national leader in regulating governmental ethics and we are committed to continuing that legacy.

FPPC Mission

The mission of the Fair Political Practices Commission is to promote the integrity of state and local government in California through fair, impartial interpretation and enforcement of political campaign, lobbying and conflict of interest laws.

State Leadership Accountability Act (SLAA)

Workforce Plan

About the Political Reform Act

In the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, California was the first state to pass a comprehensive political reform package. Proposition 9, known today as The Political Reform Act, was passed as a ballot measure by California voters in the June 1974 election. 

Public Comment

Learn how to participate in our Commission Meetings.

Committee Meetings

The Commission has three two-member advisory committees: the Law and Policy Committee, the Public Outreach and Technology Committee, and the Budget and Staffing Committee. View their meeting agendas and learn how to attend a meeting.

Public Draw

A public draw is held every odd year. Lobbying firm and lobbyist employer audits are required to be drawn in February of every odd-numbered year. View draw results and the drawing schedule on this page.

Political Reform Education Program

Learn more about the Political Reform Education Program (PREP), the FPPC's new educational program to educate Respondents who have little or no experience with the Political Reform Act and commit minor violations, in lieu of monetary penalties. You may also pay PREP registration fees on this page.

Employment Opportunities

Are you interested in working for the FPPC? Find current job oppertunities on this page. 

Annual Report

Every year the FPPC publishes a detailed report that highlights major cases, important statistics and other noteworthy events from throughout the year. The report provides readers with a great snapshot of how the Commission functions and what its priorities are in any given year.

The FPPC also occasionally releases Special Reports.

Media Center

The mission of the Communications Office of the Fair Political Practices Commission is to promote transparency in the political process by providing the media and the public with all available information on events, actions, decisions and policies of the Commission.

Accessibility Policy

The Fair Political Practices Commission strives to consistently update our content and make it fully accessible to the public.