Greetings!
On Thursday, June 13
th
the Office of the Secretary of State held a meeting with members of CPTA and the CA Political Attorneys Association to review the status of the CAL-Access Replacement System (CARS). This meeting was the first opportunity for CPTA members (and the primary CAL-Access users) to learn the details of the new system.
The developer spent time demonstrating the data entry functions, however, since most, if not all, CPTA members use a third-party software such as Netfile or NGP, direct data entry into the program will be most likely be limited for use by non-professional treasurers. Alternatively, third party software users will upload the data into the CAL-Access system.
During the demo it was revealed that the developer was unfamiliar with several routine campaign disclosure details. For example, the new system currently can only accommodate one bank account since the developer was unaware that multiple bank accounts are allowed. The developer did also not know that a Sponsored PAC reports the PAC Administrative expenses paid by the Sponsor as $0 on Schedule C. The developer did not know that Schedule G Subvendors can be reported in a subsequent reporting period from the corresponding Schedule E expenditure, for example, a PAC makes payments for media in one reporting period but the ads do not air until the following reporting period. The system as currently designed does not allow the disclosure of subvendors of subvendors. The developer seemed unaware of this reporting requirement.
In addition, E-filing accounts will be set up for individuals, rather than for Committees. If you are a treasurer for multiple Committees you will have one dashboard where you access your accounts. The treasurer can then assign access to others.
Of some concern to CPTA members is the changes to amended reports. The developers said that the amended reports will reflect the changes by striking out deleted information and highlighting new information. It was unclear how this will work.
No work has begun on the design of the Lobby Disclosure system. The developer had not considered soliciting input from the regulated community. Meeting attendees strongly recommended that we be included in the development of the system.
Fortunately, because of the efforts by both CPTA and CPAA to delay the launch of CARS from December 31, 2019 to February 1, 2021, legislation is pending to do so, thus allowing the developer and the SOS more time to create a system that suits both the needs of the Treasurer community and the need for accurate public disclosure.
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CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 5TH
The 20th Annual CPTA Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center from
Wednesday, August 7th through Saturday, August 10th.
The Conference Registration form is attached at the bottom of the newsletter as well as via this link:
You may reserve your rooms for the event directly with Marriott reservations no later than
Friday, July 5, 2019
at 1‐800‐393‐2510 (be sure to provide the reservationists with our association name to receive the group discount) or via the link below:
Below is the proposed meeting agenda which includes the FEC workshop, a law firm presentation on Super PACs, Hybrid PACs and FARA requirements, a private tour of the Library of Congress, and a private tour of the National Museum of African American History.
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