California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation today that allows state regulators to fine social media influencers up to $5,000 per post for failing to disclose payments for political content.

The new law closes an enforcement gap in a 2023 statute that already required disclosures for paid posts about state and local campaigns. Until now, creators faced no direct penalties for noncompliance, leaving the Fair Political Practices Commission to pursue time-consuming court orders.

Under the updated rules, the commission can now issue administrative fines or refer violations to law enforcement as potential misdemeanors. The measure was one of 13 social media and election bills Newsom approved as a package.

Assemblyman Marc Berman, a Democrat who authored the bill, cited media reports of politicians quietly paying influencers during the spring gubernatorial primary as the impetus for the change. Campaigns increasingly use creators to reach younger online audiences, and payments have drawn scrutiny in races involving candidates such as Tom Steyer.

The FPPC recently closed an investigation into Steyer's campaign without fines after finding that the campaign had instructed influencers on disclosure requirements. Earlier complaints highlighted cases where disclaimers were missing from posts supporting Steyer and other candidates.

Critics of the measure argue it adds regulatory burdens on individual creators and could chill political speech online, particularly as federal disclosure rules remain unchanged. Proponents say the updates ensure transparency so voters know when content is sponsored.

The law applies to paid posts supporting or opposing candidates or ballot measures. It does not affect unpaid endorsements or non-political content.