City of San Bernardino Candidate Information Guide

chapter 6

Use of Campaign Funds The use of campaign funds by candidates, elected officials, and others who control the expenditure of campaign funds, is strictly regulated. The expenditure of campaign funds must be reasonably related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose. If an expenditure confers a substantial personal benefit on the candidate, officeholder, or any individual authorized to approve campaign expenditures, the expenditure must be directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose. A substantial personal benefit means an expenditure of campaign funds which results in a direct personal benefit with a value of more than $200. The following are examples of specific expenditures and the rules regarding the use of campaign funds for such purposes. If the examples are not helpful, contact the FPPC for assistance about whether or not a specific use of campaign funds is permissible by sending an email with specific facts to advice@fppc.ca.gov. QUICK TIP: Campaign funds must be used for political, legislative, or governmental purposes. The FPPC has fined committees for payments made from a campaign account that were used for the following personal purposes: auto care services, doctor visits, clothing, and personal life insurance premiums.

A. Campaign Expenditures Election Night Celebrations

Costs associated with election night celebrations or similar campaign events are considered to be directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose; therefore, campaign funds may be used.

Fair Political Practices Commission advice@fppc.ca.gov

Chapter 6.1

Campaign Manual 2 August 2023 Page 231

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