California has passed a new law that imposes financial penalties and potential criminal charges on social media influencers who fail to disclose paid political content. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation, known as AB 1130, which strengthens existing disclosure rules that previously carried no fines or legal consequences. This move aims to increase transparency in political advertising on platforms widely used by influencers.

The bill allows regulators to fine violators up to $5,000 per incident and refer cases to law enforcement for misdemeanor prosecution. This updated enforcement comes after reports revealed that several influencers paid by Tom Steyer during his 2026 California gubernatorial campaign did not disclose sponsored political posts initially. The statute targets ensuring clearer accountability for paid political messaging online.

Assemblyman Marc Berman, who sponsored the bill, highlighted that the new law was created to address the previous ambiguities in enforcement of influencer disclosure requirements. California’s legislation joins Texas and other states considering similar measures to clamp down on undisclosed political advertisements amid concerns about election interference.

This change is part of a larger set of bills signed by Newsom in September 2026 designed to protect California elections from possible disruption, particularly referencing tactics associated with former President Donald Trump. The broader package emphasizes safeguarding democratic processes by improving the transparency of political communications in the digital age.