SB 827: Mandates New Fiscal Training and Expands Ethics Training

SB 827: Mandates Fiscal Training and Expands Ethics Training

SB 827 was signed by Governor Newsom on October 11, 2025, and will take effect on January 1, 2026. This bill mandates expanded ethics training and establishes a fiscal training requirement for local agencies and special districts. 

This bill applies statewide, including charter and general law cities, counties, and special districts.

Key Updates Established by SB 827

• The existing ethics training requirement for local elected officials and governing body members (AB 1234) is expanded to include department heads and similar administrative officers.

• Local agencies with websites must post clear instructions and contact information for the public to request ethics and fiscal training records starting July 1, 2026.

• Local agencies must ensure officials who begin service on or after January 1, 2026, complete ethics training within six months of starting.

• A new fiscal and financial training requirement mandate all local agency officials involved in financial oversight receive at least two hours of training every two years covering budgeting, debt management, auditing, revenue mechanisms, investments, and ethical stewardship. Certain officials like county auditors and treasurers who already comply with fiscal training requirements are exempt from this requirement.

• Agencies may contract with approved training providers, require proof of participation, and mandate annual information sharing with officials about these trainings.

• Agencies must retain training completion records for at least five years showing dates and training providers, with public disclosure under the California Public Records Act.

• Officials serving as of January 1, 2026 must complete fiscal training by January 1, 2028, with ongoing biennial training thereafter.

We are available to assist you with understanding and implementing these changes. If you have any questions or need any guidance on compliance with SB 827, please do not hesitate to contact us.