California AB 2655: New Rules for Using Campaign Funds for Security Personnel
Understand how California's AB 2655 affects campaign spending on security personnel and what candidates must do to comply.
Check your obligations →California AB 2655 sets new rules for using campaign funds to pay for security personnel, requiring candidates and committees to follow updated licensing requirements.
This law directly impacts candidates for elective office and their campaign committees, making it crucial to understand the new compliance landscape.
With heightened concerns about candidate safety and campaign finance transparency, AB 2655 aims to ensure that only properly licensed security professionals are paid with campaign funds.
This article explains what AB 2655 changes, who it affects, how to comply, and what steps campaigns should take to avoid legal risks.
What Does California AB 2655 Change About Campaign Fund Use for Security?
California AB 2655 changes how campaign funds can be used for security expenses by introducing new requirements around the licensing of security personnel.
Before AB 2655, candidates and campaign committees had more flexibility in hiring security for events or personal protection, but the new law sets clearer boundaries to ensure only licensed professionals are paid with campaign funds.
This means that any payment for security services from campaign accounts must now go to individuals or companies that hold the appropriate licenses as defined by state law.
The law addresses growing concerns about both candidate safety and the proper use of campaign contributions, aiming to prevent misuse of funds and ensure professional standards in campaign security arrangements.
- Only licensed security personnel may be paid with campaign funds.
- Applies to all candidates for elective office and their campaign committees.
- Covers both event security and personal protection services.
AB 2655 requires campaigns to verify security providers’ licenses before using campaign funds.
Sources: Official source
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Consult a Compliance Lawyer →Who Must Comply With AB 2655’s Security Personnel Rules?
All candidates for elective office in California and their campaign committees must comply with AB 2655’s new requirements for security personnel expenses.
This includes candidates running for local, state, or statewide office, as well as any committee that raises or spends money to support or oppose a candidate.
The law applies regardless of campaign size or the amount of money spent on security, so even small campaigns must ensure compliance.
Campaign treasurers and compliance officers should review all security-related payments to confirm that recipients are properly licensed, as failure to do so could result in penalties or the need to reimburse the campaign account.
- Candidates for city, county, and state offices
- Campaign committees supporting or opposing candidates
- Campaign treasurers and compliance staff
Every campaign, large or small, must follow AB 2655’s licensing rules for security payments.
Sources: Official source
Could Your Campaign Be at Risk Under California AB 2655?
Have you used campaign funds to hire security personnel for your campaign events in California?
Were any of the security personnel you hired unlicensed under California law?
Do you have documentation verifying the licensing status of all security providers paid with campaign funds?
What Are the Licensing Requirements for Security Personnel Under AB 2655?
Under AB 2655, only security personnel who hold the appropriate state-issued licenses may be paid with campaign funds for providing security services.
This typically means hiring individuals or companies licensed by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), which regulates private security guards and firms.
Campaigns must check that any security provider has a valid and current license before making payments, and should keep documentation on file in case of audit or inquiry.
One non-obvious risk is that some event staff or volunteers may offer to provide security informally, but paying them from campaign funds would not comply with AB 2655 unless they are properly licensed—so campaigns should avoid informal arrangements and always verify credentials.
- Verify BSIS license status for all security providers.
- Keep copies of licenses and payment records.
- Do not pay unlicensed individuals or companies for security services.
Always confirm security providers’ licenses before authorizing campaign payments.
Sources: Official source · California BSIS
How Can Campaigns Ensure Compliance With AB 2655?
Campaigns can ensure compliance with AB 2655 by establishing clear internal processes for vetting and documenting all security-related expenses.
First, campaigns should create a checklist for hiring security, including steps to verify licenses and keep records of all payments and contracts.
Second, treasurers should review all invoices and receipts to confirm that security providers are listed as licensed entities, and should reject any payment requests that lack proper documentation.
A practical example: One California campaign implemented a policy requiring two staff members to independently verify a provider’s license status using the BSIS online lookup tool before any payment was approved, reducing the risk of accidental non-compliance.
- Develop a security provider vetting checklist.
- Use the BSIS online license verification tool.
- Maintain detailed records for all security payments.
Strong internal controls help campaigns avoid costly compliance mistakes under AB 2655.
Sources: Official source · BSIS License Lookup
What Are the Risks of Non-Compliance With AB 2655?
Non-compliance with AB 2655 can expose campaigns to legal, financial, and reputational risks, including possible penalties and the need to reimburse campaign funds.
If a campaign pays an unlicensed individual or company for security services, regulators may require the campaign to return those funds to the campaign account or face fines.
Repeated or willful violations could lead to more serious enforcement actions, and public disclosure of non-compliance can damage a candidate’s reputation.
Campaigns should also be aware that compliance reviews may occur months or years after the election, so keeping thorough records is essential for long-term protection.
- Potential fines or penalties for improper payments
- Reimbursement of campaign funds for non-compliant expenses
- Negative publicity and reputational harm
Non-compliance can have lasting consequences for both campaigns and candidates.
Sources: Official source
How Does AB 2655 Compare to Previous Campaign Security Fund Rules?
AB 2655 introduces stricter requirements for the use of campaign funds on security personnel compared to previous California campaign finance laws.
Previously, there was less clarity about the licensing status required for security providers paid with campaign funds, which sometimes led to informal arrangements or payments to unlicensed individuals.
Now, the law makes it explicit that only licensed security professionals may be paid, closing a loophole and aligning campaign spending with broader public safety and transparency goals.
Campaigns that previously relied on volunteers or informal security must now adjust their practices, and this shift may increase costs but also provides greater protection against liability and compliance risks.
- Stricter licensing requirements for paid security
- Clearer compliance standards for campaigns
- Greater accountability for campaign spending
AB 2655 raises the standard for campaign security spending and recordkeeping.
Sources: Official source
Comparison: Licensed Security Providers vs. Unlicensed Personnel for Campaigns
Campaigns must now choose between hiring licensed security providers or risking non-compliance by using unlicensed personnel, with clear tradeoffs in cost, safety, and legal risk.
Licensed providers offer professional standards, insurance, and regulatory oversight, while unlicensed individuals may be less expensive but expose the campaign to penalties under AB 2655.
For most campaigns, the added cost of licensed security is outweighed by the reduced risk of fines, negative publicity, and potential harm to candidate safety.
A campaign that previously relied on a trusted volunteer for event security found that, after AB 2655, switching to a licensed firm not only ensured compliance but also improved event safety protocols and insurance coverage.
- Licensed providers: compliant, insured, professional
- Unlicensed personnel: non-compliant, higher risk, potential cost savings
Choosing licensed security is now the safest and most compliant option for California campaigns.
Sources: Official source · California BSIS
Frequently asked questions
Can California campaigns still use volunteers for security under AB 2655?
Campaigns cannot pay volunteers or unlicensed individuals for security services with campaign funds under AB 2655; only licensed security personnel may be compensated, though unpaid volunteers may still help in non-security roles.
What documentation should campaigns keep to show compliance with AB 2655?
Campaigns should keep copies of security providers’ licenses, payment records, contracts, and correspondence to show compliance with AB 2655 in case of audit or inquiry.
Does AB 2655 apply to all types of campaign events?
Yes, AB 2655 applies to all campaign events where security personnel are paid with campaign funds, including rallies, fundraisers, and private gatherings.
What happens if a campaign accidentally pays an unlicensed security provider?
If a campaign accidentally pays an unlicensed provider, it may need to reimburse the campaign account and could face penalties; prompt correction and documentation are important.
Are there exceptions to the licensing requirement for security personnel?
AB 2655 generally requires licensing for paid security personnel; campaigns should consult the official law or a qualified attorney for any possible exceptions.
How can campaigns verify a security provider’s license in California?
Campaigns can verify a provider’s license using the California BSIS online license lookup tool, which shows current status and expiration dates.
Where can I read the full text of California AB 2655?
You can read the full text of AB 2655 on the California Legislature’s official website: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2655.
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