Advanced Search
"Advanced Search" allows you to search across all electronic filings in the database. To use this search engine, find the "Advanced Search" link located in the upper left-hand portion of almost any Cal-Access menu page. Click on that link. This will bring up the "California Filings Searchable Database" page. Unlike other sections of Cal-Access, this section of the website will search across all electronic filings in the database instead of returning information from one specific filer. For example, after clicking on the appropriate link, one can enter a contributor's name and can search through all electronic filings in the database to find the information requested. It may take several seconds for a request to be processed since the entire database is searched. There are many other ways to search information in the database as is indicated on the "California Filings Searchable Database" page.
Approved Vendors or Service Providers
These are individuals or companies that have been approved by the Secretary of State to file campaign and/or lobbyist activity financial reports and statements electronically with Cal-Access. Visit the list of approved vendors or service providers.
Ballot Measure Paid Spokesperson
For purposes of the Political Reform Act, a "paid spokesperson," generally, is a person who has received a payment totaling five thousand ($5,000) or more for the purpose of appearing in an advertisement to support or oppose the qualification, passage or defeat of a ballot measure. Form 511 (PDF) is used for this purpose. The form must be filed by committees making the payment within 10 days of the expenditure. Form 511 filed daily can be viewed at Daily/Late/Special Filings on the "Campaign Finance" page. (Government Code 84511)
"Behested Payments"
These payments are made at the request of elected officials for legislative, governmental or charitable purposes. They are not considered campaign contributions or gifts. An organization that makes a contribution to a charitable organization at the request of a state legislator makes a "behested payment." While state law limits the amount of campaign contributions and gifts, there are no limits on these "behested" payments. State law only requires the reporting of "behested" payments if they total $5,000 or more per calendar year from a single source. Officials must report specified "behested payments" within 30 days of the date they are made. The reports are filed with the officials' agencies. The agencies then send copies to specified offices. (Government Code section 82015(b)(2)(B)(iii)) Information about some "behested payments" associated with state elected officials is available on the Fair Political Practices Commission's website.
Cal-Access
Cal-Access is the online system created by the Secretary of State pursuant to state law for receiving and accessing financial information supplied by state candidates, donors, lobbyists, and others. Online or electronic filing is required for campaign entities that have raised or spent $25,000 since January 1, 2000. Lobbying entities must file online or electronically once the total amount of any category of reportable payments, expenses, contributions, gifts or other item is $2,500 or more in a calendar quarter. (Government Code sections 84602 and 84605)
Cal-Access Search
This search option can provide quick access to a filer. Access to it is located in the upper left corner of most Cal-Access menu pages. Enter part of a filer's name or the filer's identification number and click on the word "GO." It may take several seconds to process the request. The search will return a list of all the filers that have the word(s) you entered in their name or the entity with the identification number you entered. From this list, you can get more information on the filer by clicking on the filer's name if a link is provided.
California Filings Searchable Database
See "Advanced Search."
Cal-Online
Cal-Online is a web-based, data entry filing system that allows state disclosure statements/reports mandated by California's Political Reform Act to be filed online with the Secretary of State free of charge. The filer must have a valid ID # and password in order to use this free application. The information is then reproduced on the Secretary of State's Cal-Access website for public viewing. (Government Code section 84602)
Candidate
An individual becomes a candidate under the following circumstances:

  • The individual's name is listed on a primary, general, special, or recall election ballot; or

  • The individual is qualified to have election officials count write-in votes on his or her behalf for nomination or election to any state or local elective office; or

  • The individual receives a contribution or makes an expenditure (or gives consent for any other person to receive a contribution or make an expenditure) for his or her nomination or election to any state or local elective office; or

  • The individual is an elected officeholder.

(But individuals running for federal office are not "candidates" under the Political Reform Act.) (Government Code sections 82007 and 84214)
Candidate Intention Statement
This statement (Form 501) must be filed by candidates for state and local elective office prior to the solicitation or receipt of any contribution or expenditure of personal funds used for the election. Candidates for state office must file an original statement, signed under penalty of perjury, with the Secretary of State. There is no provision in the law to electronically file or fax the form. (Government Code section 85200) Copies of Form 501 (PDF) may be obtained online at the Secretary of State website.
Committee
"Committee" means any person or combination of persons who directly or indirectly does any of the following:

  1. Receives contributions totaling two thousand dollars ($2,000) or more in a calendar year.

  2. Makes independent expenditures totaling one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in a calendar year; or

  3. Makes contributions totaling ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more in a calendar year to or at the behest of candidates or committees.

A person or combination of persons that becomes a committee retains its status as a committee until such time as that status is terminated pursuant to Government Code section 84214. (Government Code section 82013)
Contribution Limits

Individuals and committees that support or oppose state candidates are subject to "contribution limits." For information about "contribution limits," visit State Contribution Limits.

Controlled Committee
A candidate or state measure proponent controls a committee if he or she has a significant influence on the actions or decisions of the committee. (Government Code section 82016)
Declaration of Candidacy
This document is filed by candidates to qualify for the ballot pursuant to Elections Code sections 8020 and 8040. It is different than the Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501) that must be filed pursuant to Government Code section 85200 in order to solicit or receive campaign contributions or loans.
Election Cycle
"Election Cycle" means one of two different things, depending on the context of its usage.

  1. "Election Cycle" means the period of time beginning 90 days before an election and ending on the date of the election, for purposes of reporting contributions or independent expenditures of $1,000 or more online or electronically pursuant to Government Code sections 85309 or 85500. (Government Code section 85204)

  2. "Election Cycle" means the period beginning January 1 of an odd year and ending December 31 of the following even year, for purposes of viewing campaign contributions and expenditures on Cal-Access.
Election Cycle Report
Candidates for elective state office and committees formed primarily to support or oppose a state ballot measure that receive a contribution of $1,000 or more within 90 days before an election on which they will appear on the ballot must report the contribution online or electronically to the Secretary of State within 24 hours if the filer is required to file regular statements online or electronically. No paper reports are filed. These are often referred to as "Election Cycle Reports," "Twenty-four hour (24-hour) Reports," or "$1,000 Online/Electronic Reports." They are reported using Form 497. They can be accessed on Cal-Access at Daily/Late/Special Filings. (Government Code sections 85204, 85309)
Electioneering Communications
These are communications that promote or criticize a candidate, but do not expressly advocate the election or defeat of the candidate. These are sometimes referred to as "issue advocacy" communications. (See "Issue Advocacy" in this "Glossary.") Some "electioneering communications" must be disclosed on Form E-530.
Electronic Filing
An "electronic filing" generally refers to the filing of a campaign or lobbying activity report or statement with Cal-Access by an approved vendor or service provider acting as agent for the filer or by using an authorized vendor's software. This is in contrast to a filer filing a campaign or lobbying activity report or statement with Cal-Access using Cal-Online, the Secretary of State's free software. However, the terms "online" and "electronic" are sometimes used interchangeably. They simply mean that disclosure is made via a computer rather than by filing a paper document.
Form 400
This form (Statement of Organization (Slate Mailer Organization)) must be filed with the Secretary of State by Slate Mailer Organizations within 10 days of being promised or receiving a payment of $500 or more for the purpose of producing one or more slate mailers. For more information about this form, visit California Form 400 (PDF).
Form 401
This form (Slate Mailer Organization Campaign Statement) is filed by slate mailer organizations to disclose payments made and received in connection with producing slate mailers. For more information about this form, visit California Form 401 (PDF).
Form 402
This form (Statement of Termination (Slate Mailer Organization)) is used to terminate the filer's ongoing filing obligations. For more information about this form, visit California Form 402 (PDF).
Form 460
This form (Recipient Committee Campaign Statement) is used to disclose receipt and expenditures as well as the filer's total financial activity for various periodic reports. It is also used as an amendment to update missing or incorrect information on previously-filed reports. For more information about this form, visit California Form 460 (PDF).
Form 461
This form (Major Donor and Independent Expenditure Committee Campaign Statement) is used to disclose contributions and independent expenditures for various periodic reports as well as the business interests of the filer. For more information about this form, visit California Form 461 (PDF).
Form 470
This form (Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement - Short Form) is used to declare that the candidate/officeholder has no intention of receiving or spending $2,000 or more in a calendar year. For more information about this form, visit California Form 470 (PDF).
Form 470-S
This form (Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement (Supplement)) is used by an officeholder or candidate who has previously filed a Form 470 and who later qualifies as a recipient committee (i.e., that the officeholder or candidate has raised or spent $2,000 or more during a calendar year). For more information about this form, visit California Form 470 (PDF).
Form 496
This form (496 Independent Expenditure Report) is used to disclose independent expenditures of $1,000 or more in support or opposition to a candidate or ballot measure. It is used for filings under Government Code sections 84204. The online/electronic version is also used for filings under Government Code sections 84204.5 and 85500. For more information about this form, visit California Form 496 (PDF). For more information about online/electronic filings under Government Code sections 84204.5.
Form 497
This form (497 Contribution Report) is used to disclose late contributions (see definition in this "Glossary") received or made during the 16 days before an election under Government Code sections 84203 and 84203.3. It is also used to disclose contributions under Government Code section 85309 and 84204.5. For more information about this form, visit California Form 497 (PDF). For more information about online/electronic filings under Government Code sections 84204.5.
Form 498
This form (Slate Mailer Late Payment Report) is used by slate mailer organizations to disclose receipt of late payments of $2,500 or more from a single source to support or oppose candidates and/or measures in a slate mailer during the 16 days before an election. For more information about this form, visit California Form 498 (PDF). (Government Code section 84220)
Form 501
This form (Candidate Intention Statement) is used to declare one's intention to run for a specific office and is also used by state candidates to accept or reject voluntary spending limits. It must be filed prior to the solicitation or receipt of any contribution or loan. (Government Code section 85200) State candidates file it with the Secretary of State. For more information about this form, visit California Form 501 (PDF). (Note that this is a different form than the "Declaration of Candidacy" filed by candidates to qualify for listing on the ballot. See Elections Code sections 8020, 8040.)
Form 511
This form (Paid Spokesperson Report) is used by a committee that makes a payment of $5,000 or more to a spokesperson in connection with ads regarding ballot measures. For more information about this form, visit California Form 511 (PDF). (Government Code section 84511)
Form E-530
This form (Electronic Issue Advocacy Report) is an online-only form used to disclose payments for a communication that promotes or criticizes a state candidate, but does not expressly advocate the election or defeat of the candidate. These are sometimes referred to as "Electioneering Communications." For more information about this form, visit California Form E-530. (Government Code section 85310)
Form 601
This form (Lobbying Firm Registration Statement) is used to register or renew the registration of a lobbying firm or individual contract lobbyist. For more information about this form, visit California Form 601 (PDF).
Form 602
This form (Lobbying Firm Activity Authorization) is used to authorize a lobbying firm to lobby on another's behalf. For more information about this form, visit California Form 602 (PDF).
Form 603
This form (Lobbyist Employer or Lobbying Coalition Registration Statement) is used to register or renew the registration of a lobbyist employer or coalition that has at least one registered in-house lobbyist. For more information about this form, visit California Form 603 (PDF).
Form 604
This form (Lobbyist Certification Statement) is used by an individual who qualifies as a lobbyist. It is attached to either Form 601 or Form 603. For more information about this form, visit California Form 604 (PDF).
Form 605
This form (Amendment to Registration, Lobbying Firm, Lobbyist Employer, Lobbying Coalition) is used to amend any previously filed registration information. For more information about this form, visit California Form 605 (PDF).
Form 606
This form (Notice of Termination) is used by the filer who has ceased all lobbying activity and now wishes to terminate a filed registration or certification statement. For more information about this form, visit California Form 606 (PDF).
Form 607
This form (Notice of Withdrawal) is used to withdraw a filed registration statement of a firm that has never met the statutory definition of a lobbying firm. It is also used by a lobbyist who has never met the statutory definition of a lobbyist. For more information about this form, visit California Form 607 (PDF).
Form 615
This form (Lobbyist Report) is used by a lobbyist to disclose quarterly activity. For more information about this form, visit California Form 615 (PDF).
Form 625
This form (Report of Lobbying Firm) is used by a lobbying firm to disclose quarterly activity. For more information about this form, visit California Form 625 (PDF).
Form 630
This form (Payments Made to Lobbying Coalition) is used by a lobbying coalition to disclose quarterly activity. For more information about this form, visit California Form 630 (PDF).
Form 635
This form (Report of Lobbyist Employer and Report of Lobbying Coalition) is used to disclose quarterly lobbying activity. For more information about this form, visit California Form 635 (PDF).

Form 635-C -- This form (Payments Received by Lobbying Coalition) is an attachment filed with Form 635 which discloses all payments received from the members of the coalition. For more information about this form, visit California Form 635-C (PDF).
Form 640
This form (Governmental Agencies Reporting of "Other Payments to Influence Legislative or Administrative Action") is used by a state or local governmental agency which qualifies as a registered lobbyist employer (or $5,000 filer) or non-registered lobbyist employer. For more information about this form, visit California Form 640 (PDF).
Form 645
This form (Report of Person Spending $5,000 or More to Influence Legislative or Administrative Action) is used to disclose quarterly activity of a $5,000 filer. For more information about this form, visit California Form 645 (PDF).
Form 690
This form (Amendment to Lobbying Disclosure Report) is used by the filer to amend any information previously submitted on a quarterly disclosure report. For more information about this form, visit California Form 690 (PDF).
Form PRD-1
This form (Request for Waiver of Liability) is used to request the waiver of fines assessed for late filing of statements or reports. To obtain a copy of this form, visit Form PRD-1 (PDF). To learn more about the process for requesting a waiver of fines, visit Guidelines for Waiver of Liability of Late Filing Fines.
Independent Expenditure
An "independent expenditure" is a payment made for a communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified California state or local candidate or the qualification, passage, or defeat of a clearly identified state or local ballot measure and the communication is not coordinated with or "made at the behest" of the affected candidate or committee. This is often contrasted with "Issue Advocacy." (Government Code section 82031)
Independent Expenditure Electronic Filings
A committee that qualifies as a state online or electronic filer, including recipient, independent expenditure, major donor and political party committees, must file online or electronically with the Secretary of State within 24 hours of making an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more during an election cycle (within 90 days of the election) in connection with a candidate for elective state office or a state ballot measure. Form 496 is used for this purpose. For more information about this form, visit California Form 496 (PDF). (Government Code section 85500)
Issue Advocacy
For purposes of the Political Reform Act, "issue advocacy" is a communication that clearly identifies a candidate for elective state office, but does not expressly advocate the election or defeat of the candidate and that is disseminated, broadcast, or otherwise published within 45 days of an election. Any person who makes a payment or a promise of payment totaling $50,000 or more for "issue advocacy" must file online with the Secretary of State information disclosing the name of the person, address, occupation, employer, and amount of the payment. The report must be filed within 48 hours of making the payment or the promise to make the payment. If the payment was made at the request of the clearly identified candidate, the contribution limits apply. Required "issue advocacy" reports are filed using Form E-530. For more information regarding the filing of Form E-530 regarding "issue advocacy," visit Campaign Forms and Instructions page or Cal-Access Login page. (Government Code section 85310, 2 California Code of Regulations section 18539.2)
Late Contribution
A "late contribution" means:

  1. Any contribution, including a loan, that totals in the aggregate one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more that is made to or received by a candidate, a controlled committee, or a committee formed or existing primarily to support or oppose a candidate or measure before the date of the election at which the candidate or measure is to be voted on but after the closing date of the last campaign statement required to be filed before the election; or

  2. Any contribution, including a loan, that totals in the aggregate one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more that is made to or received by a political party committee, including a county central committee, before the date of any state election, but after the closing date of the last campaign statement required to be filed before the election.

A candidate or committee that makes or receives a "late contribution" must report it within 24 hours of making or receiving the "late contribution" to each office with which the candidate or committee is required to file its next campaign statement. Form 497 is used to report "late contributions." Filers required to file their regular statements online or electronically, must report any required "late contribution" reports online or electronically. (Government Code sections 82036, 84203 and 84605)

Some Late Contribution Reports filed with the Secretary of State on paper pursuant to Government Code section 84203(b) are scanned and posted in PDF on Cal-Access and may be viewed by clicking on the sixth bullet at Daily/Late/Special Filings. (Note that the "late contribution report" requirement does not apply to committees that have reported the contribution pursuant to subdivisions (a) or (b) of Government Code section 85309. (Government Code section 84203(e).)
Late Independent Expenditure
A "late independent expenditure" means any independent expenditure which totals in the aggregate one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more and is made for or against any specific candidate or measure involved in an election before the date of the election but after the closing date of the last campaign statement required to be filed prior to the election by a candidate or committee participating in such election. A committee that makes a "late independent expenditure" must report it within 24 hours to each office with which the candidate or committee is required to file its next campaign statement. Form 496 is used to report "late independent expenditure." Filers required to file their regular statements online or electronically, must report any required "late independent expenditure" reports online or electronically. (Government Code sections 82036.5, 84204 and 84605)

Late Independent Expenditure Reports filed with the Secretary of State on paper pursuant to Government Code section 84204(a) are scanned and posted in PDF on Cal-Access and may be viewed by clicking on the sixth bullet at Daily/Late/Special Filings.
Late Payment Report
If a slate mailer organization receives a payment of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or more for purposes of supporting or opposing any candidate or ballot measure in a slate mailer, and the payment is received at a time when, if the payment were a contribution it would be considered a "late contribution" (during the 16 days prior to the election), then the slate mailer organization must report the payment in the manner set forth in Section 84203 for candidates and committees when reporting late contributions received. The slate mailer organization shall, in addition to reporting the information required by Section 84203, identify the candidates or measures whose support or opposition is being paid for, in whole or in part, by each late payment. (Government Code section 84220)

Late Payment Reports filed with the Secretary of State on paper pursuant to Government Code sections 84220 and 84203(b) are scanned and posted in PDF on Cal-Access and may be viewed by clicking on the sixth bullet at Daily/Late/Special Filings.
Legislative Session
"Legislative Session" refers to the two-year period of time the State Legislature is in session. Technically, the period ordinarily begins in December of even-numbered years when the State Legislature convenes following the statewide general election and ends when the State Legislature adjourns the following even- numbered year prior to the statewide general election. For purposes of Cal-Access, the "legislative session" is identified as the entire odd-numbered year following by the next even-numbered year. For example, 2007-2008 refers to the "legislative session" that began in December 2006 and ends in 2008 prior to the 2008 General Election.
Lobbyist
For purposes of the Political Reform Act, a lobbyist is an individual who is compensated (other than reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses) for directly communicating with a qualifying official (other than administrative testimony) when trying to influence legislative or administrative action (such as bills and regulations.) Not everyone who is paid to lobby will qualify as a lobbyist. There are two tests to make this determination: a time test for "in-house lobbyists" and a compensation test for "contract lobbyists."

  1. An "in-house lobbyist" is an individual who lobbies on behalf of his or her employer only. They are compensated for the time and he or she spends at least one-third of the time in a calendar month in direct communication with qualifying officials.

  2. A "contract lobbyist" is an individual who lobbies for someone other than his or her employer and receives or is entitled to receive $2,000 in a calendar month for direct communication with qualifying officials.

(Government Code section 82039, 2 California Code of Regulations section 18239)
Lobbyist Employer
A "lobbyist employer" is any individual, business entity, association, local governmental agency, or other organization, other than a lobbying firm, that:

  1. directly employs an in-house lobbyist to influence or attempt to influence legislative or administrative action; or

  2. retains a lobbying firm to engage in direct communication for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence legislative or administrative action.

(Government Code section 82039.5)
Lobbying Firm
A "lobbying firm" is an individual (other than an in-house lobbyist) or a business entity that is compensated (other than reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses) for directly communicating with a qualifying official (other than administrative testimony) when trying to influence legislative or administrative action (such as bills and regulations).

An individual may qualify as a lobbying firm in two ways:

  1. The individual is a lobbyist compensated for lobbying on behalf of someone other than the individual's employer (such as independent contractors); or

  2. The individual is a lobbyist compensated for lobbying on behalf of the individuals and someone else.

A business entity may qualify as a lobbying firm in two ways:

  1. It receives or is entitled to receive compensation for lobbying and a least one employee, partner, owner, or officer is a lobbyist; or

  2. It receives at least $5,000 in a calendar quarter for lobbying and at least one employee, partner, owner, or officer directly communicates on behalf of a client (even if no one in the firm is a lobbyist).

(Government Code section 82038.5, 2 California Code of Regulations section 18238.5)
Major Donor
"Major donor" refers to a "committee" defined by Government Code section 82013(c). This is a person or combination of persons who directly or indirectly makes contributions totaling ten thousand ($10,000) or more in a calendar year to or at the behest of candidates or committees. A "major donor" must file semi-annual statements no later than July 31 and January 31 and may be required to file late contribution reports and late independent expenditure reports. A "major donor" may also be required to file "Odd-Numbered Year Reports" pursuant to Government Code section 84202.7. The statements and reports may have to be filed online or electronically. (Government Code sections 82013(c), 84203, 84204, 84605 and 85500)
Mass Mailing
For purposes of the Political Reform Act, a "mass mailing" means over two hundred substantially similar pieces of mail, but does not include a form letter or other mail that is sent in response to an unsolicited request, letter or other inquiry. (Government Code section 82041.5 and 2 California Code of Regulations sections 18435 and 18901)
Measure
"Measure" means any proposition which is submitted to the voters by a legislative body or which is submitted or is intended to be submitted to the voters pursuant to the initiative, referendum or recall procedure. (Government Code section 82043)
Odd-Numbered Year Report
With some exceptions, during an odd-numbered year, committees that make contributions totaling $10,000 or more to elected state officers, their controlled committees, including controlled ballot measure committees, or committees primarily formed to support or oppose any elected state officer from January 1 through March 31 and from July 1 through October 31, must file statements by the end of the calendar month following the end of the period. (Government Code section 84202.7)
Online Filing
An "online filing" generally refers to the filing of a campaign or lobbying activity statement or report with Cal-Access by using Cal-Online, the Secretary of State's free software. This is contrasted to "electronic filing" using the services of an approved vendor or service provider. However, the terms "online" and "electronic" are sometimes used interchangeably. They simply mean that disclosure is made via a computer rather than by filing a paper document.

Payments to Influence Legislative or Administrative Action - These are payments made for the purpose of communicating directly or taking any other action for the principal purpose of supporting, promoting, influencing, modifying, opposing, delaying, or advancing any legislative or administrative action. (Government Code section 82045)
PDF/pdf
"PDF" or "pdf" refers to "Portable Document Format" created by Adobe Systems Incorporated. The format is ordinarily "read only" meaning that viewed images cannot be changed by the user. Cal-Access creates PDF-type views of forms that are populated with data filed online or electronically. (Some Forms 496, 497 and 498 filed on paper are scanned and posted in PDF on Cal-Access.)
Political Party Committee
A "political party committee" means the state central committee or county central committee of an organization that is recognized as a political party pursuant to Elections Code section 5100. Note that the definition includes "county central committee" which means that a county central committee may have filing obligations pursuant to Government Code section 84200.5(f) with respect to special state elections even though the committee is not involved with that election. (Government Code section 85205)
Preelection Statements
These are statements required to be filed in connection with an election by certain elected officers, candidates, and committees. First pre-election statements are ordinarily required to be filed no later than 40 days before the election (for the period ending 45 days before the election). The second pre-election statements are ordinarily required to be filed no later than 12 days before the election (for the period ending 17 days before the election.) (Government Code sections 84200.5, 84200.7, 84200.8)
Primarily Formed Committee
A "primarily formed committee" means a recipient committee that is formed primarily to support or oppose a single candidate, a single measure or a group of specific candidates or measures. (Government Code section 82047.5)
Radio Button
A "radio button" in Cal-Access is a round circle representing a choice among options. By pointing and clicking on the radio button, you can select the option offered. When selected, a "dot" will appear in the center of the circle.
Recipient Committee
A "recipient committee" means any person or combination of persons that receives contributions totaling $2,000 or more in a calendar year for purposes of influencing local and/or state elections. (Government Code section 82013(a))
Semi-annual Statements
These are financial statements filed by most campaign committees, including independent expenditure committees and major donor committees. They are due no later than July 31 for the period from January 1 through June 30 and no later than January 31 for the period from July 1 through December 31. (Government Code section 84200)
Slate Mailer
A "slate mailer" means a mass mailing that supports or opposes a total of four or more candidates or ballot measures. (Government Code section 82048.3)
Slate Mailer Organization
A "slate mailer organization" is, generally, an entity that receives or is promised payments totaling five hundred dollars ($500) or more in a calendar year for the production of one or more slate mailers. (Government Code section 82048.4)
Small Contributor Committee

A "small contributor committee" is a committee that has been in existence for at least six months, receives contributions from 100 or more persons, no contributor has given more than $200 per calendar year to the committee, and the committee makes contributions to five or more candidates. Different contributions limits apply to "small contributor committees" (Government Code sections 85203; Regulation 18503.) - State Contribution Limits)

Supplemental Pre-election Statement
Certain candidates and recipient committees are required to file "supplemental pre-election statements" in connection with an election in which $10,000 or more is contributed by the candidate or committee when pre-elections statements are not required to be filed. The statement is ordinarily required when information has not been reported previously. The statement is due 12 days before the election for the period ending 17 days before the election. (Government Code section 84202.5)
Ten-day (10-day) Report
Candidates for elective state office and committees formed primarily to support or oppose a state ballot measure that receive a contribution of at least $5,000 other than during the election cycle (an election cycle begins 90 days before an election) must report the contribution online or electronically to the Secretary of State within 10 business days of receipt if the filer is required to file regular statements online or electronically. No paper reports are filed. These are often referred to as "Ten-day (10-day) Reports," "$5,000 Online/Electronic Reports" or "$5,000+ Filings." They are reported using Form 497. They can be accessed on Cal-Access by clicking on Daily/Late/Special Filings. (Government Code sections 85204, 85309)
Twenty-four hour (24-hour) Report
Candidates for elective state office and committees formed primarily to support or oppose a state ballot measure that receive a contribution of $1,000 or more within 90 days before an election must report the contribution online or electronically to the Secretary of State within 24 hours if the filer is required to file regular statements online or electronically. No paper reports are filed. These are often referred to as "Twenty-four hour (24-hour) Reports," "$1,000 Online/Electronic Reports" or "Election Cycle Reports." They are reported using Form 497. They can be accessed on Cal-Access by clicking on Daily/Late/Special Filings. (Government Code sections 85204, 85309)
Umberg Filings
These online/electronic filings are those required by Government Code section 84204.5. This section, which was added by Statutes of 2006, Chapter 438 (AB 1759-Umberg), requires a recipient committee that is subject to online/electronic filing obligations to file online or electronically with the Secretary of State each time it makes contributions or independent expenditures totaling five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more to support or oppose the qualification or passage of a single state ballot measure. The report must be filed within 10 business days of making the contribution or independent expenditure using Form 497 for contributions and Form 496 for independent expenditures. (See, also, 2 California Code of Regulations section 18466.) For more information about online/electronic filings under Government Code sections 84204.5. (Note: During the 16 days before a state election, these online-only ballot measure reports are superseded by the requirements to file Late Contribution Reports and Late Independent Expenditure Reports.)
Voluntary Spending Limits
Candidates for state office may accept "voluntary spending limits." Acceptance of the limits entitles the candidate to purchase space in the ballot pamphlet to include a statement. Form 501 (PDF) is used to accept or reject voluntary spending limits. For more information regarding the voluntary spending limits, visit the State Contribution Limits web page. Information about "voluntary spending limits" can also be accessed from the Cal-Access "Campaign Finance" web page.