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Behested Payments

Reporting Behested Payments

Under California's transparency laws, an elected official who fundraises or otherwise solicits payments from one individual or organization to be given to another individual or organization may be required to report the payment. Generally, a payment is considered "behested" and subject to reporting if:

  • it is made at the request, suggestion, or solicitation of, or made in cooperation, consultation, coordination or concert with the public official;
  • it is made for a legislative, governmental or charitable purpose; and
  • it does not qualify as a gift (made for personal purposes), or a contribution (made for election-related activity) to the elected official.
While state law limits the amount of gifts and campaign contributions an official may receive, there are no limits on behested payments. However, state law requires the reporting of behested payments if they total $5,000 or more per calendar year from a single source.
 
Officials must report the behested payments within 30 days of the date on which the payment meets or exceeds $5,000. there are no reporting requirements for payments up to $4,999.99 from a single source.
 

Form 803  -  e-File Behested Payment Report (State officials can e-file!)

Form 803  -  Paper Copy Behested Payment Report 

State Officials:  File Form 803 with your agency.  Within 30 days of receipt, the state agency must forward a copy to the FPPC: 1102 Q Street, Suite 3000, Sacramento, CA 95811, or email: Form803@fppc.ca.gov. OR you may e-file. using the link above.

Local Officials:  File Form 803 with your agency.  Within 30 days of receipt, the agency must forward a copy to the filing officer who receives the official's original campaign statements. 

Search Behested Payments

Behested payment reports by members of the Assembly, Senate and statewide elected officials are maintained by the FPPC. Click here to search the reports. This information is updated on a regular basis. Copies of the full reports are available at the FPPC office in Sacramento.