CAL-ACCESS LogoThe California Automated Lobbyist and Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Search System (CAL-ACCESS) was developed to respond to the objectives of the Online Disclosure Act, added to the Political Reform Act by Ch. 866, Stats of 1997.

CAL-ACCESS is the public’s window into California’s campaign disclosure and lobbying financial activity, providing financial information supplied by state candidates, donors, lobbyists, lobbyist employers, and others. The CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) Project will implement a new data driven system replacing the existing form driven system.

To receive updates on the project as they become available follow the “sign up for e-updates” link at the bottom of this page, and, after entering your email address, select to subscribe to the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Project Updates email list.

To reach us directly, send an email to prdcars@sos.ca.gov, call (916) 653-6224, or write to: Secretary of State, Political Reform Division, 1500 11th Street, Rm 495, Sacramento, CA 95814.

News & Updates

News & Updates for information prior to 2024 can be found on the CARS Project Pre-2024 Archive page.

For CARS Project Updates:
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Calendar

Training

CARS Frequently Asked Questions

About the CARS Project

1. What is the status of the CARS Project?

The California Secretary of State is pleased to announce the award of the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) Project prime vendor contract to CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc. Additional details can be found here: https://prd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/pdf/CARS-External-Stakeholders-Prime-Vendor-Announcement-2024-06-27.pdf

2. Does the Secretary of State currently have a vendor engaged in development activities?

Originally implemented in 2000, the current CAL-ACCESS system is an amalgamation of component applications that were developed at different times using multiple, now obsolete, coding languages, platforms, and technologies. CAL-ACCESS users and stakeholder groups have identified the following business problems:

  • Program business operations are negatively affected by the current system design.
  • Program business operations are at risk due to an old, unsupported information technology platform.
  • Political Reform Division and stakeholders have limited information access and reporting capabilities.
  • Current system technological limitations restrict the ability to modify the current system to accommodate changes in the law.

In September of 2016, the Governor approved Senate Bill (SB) 1349. The bill directs the SOS to develop an online, data-driven filing and disclosure system.

Per Senate Bill (SB) 1239 (2018), all filings will be required to be filed electronically regardless of activity or threshold amounts.

The new and improved CAL-ACCESS will provide users a more efficient, sustainable system that is flexible, easier to use and allows heightened transparency into campaign and lobbying activity. Until the new system is in place, the existing system will remain operational in the interim.

3. Where can I find more information about the Project?

Project status information can be found on the project News and Updates site, and Events Calendar. For those interested in receiving more information about the project, please contact the Secretary of State via email at PRDCARS@sos.ca.gov, by phone at (916) 653-6224, or by writing to: Secretary of State, Political Reform Division, 1500 11th Street, Rm. 495, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Authorizing Legislation