The Government Code requires that specified local agency officials receive two (2) hours of ethics training every two (2) years, with the first training occurring within one (1) year of the official commencing their service. The Government Code requires that local agencies maintain records of such training.
Effective January 1, 2026, SB 827 expands these requirements to include department heads or similar administrative officers of local agencies. Effective January 1, 2026, covered officials must complete an initial ethics training within six (6) months of the official commencing their service.
SB 827 requires that local agencies maintain records of such training for at least five (5) years and post clear instructions to their websites and contact information for members of the public to request copies of such training records.
SB 827 also creates a new requirement related to fiscal and financial training for the following officers, officials and executives: (1) elected officers; (2) members of a local agency’s legislative body; (3) appointed officials who make decisions or recommendations regarding financial administration, budgeting, or the use of public resources; (4) local agency executives; and (5) employees designated by the local agency. Covered individuals must complete at least two (2) hours of training on financial administration, budgeting, reporting, capital financing, debt management, pensions, cash management and investments, fiscal and financial planning, procurement and contracting, and related laws. Covered individuals must complete this training every two (2) years.
SB 827 authorizes local agencies to contract with a qualified provider to offer the training or develop self-study materials with tests. SB 827 requires that providers develop content in consultation with recognized experts in local government finance and provide participants with proof of participation. Local agencies must distribute to covered individuals information on available training at least once annually.
(SB 827 adds amends Sections 53234, 53235.1, and 53235.2, and adds Article 2.4.6 (commencing with Section 53238) to Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code.)