In June 2010, California voters will be voting on a proposal, passed by the Legislature, that would create public funding for candidate for Secretary of State in 2014 and 2018. A state court in Sacramento will hear arguments on November 20, 2009, in Institute of Government Advocates v Bowen, 2009-80000305, in which the plaintiffs are trying to have the measure removed from the ballot.

The bill provides that funds for public funding would be obtained from fees levied on individuals and groups who are paid to lobby legislators. The lawsuit was filed by lobbyist groups who argue that this method of raising money violates the First Amendment. See this story in the Sacramento Bee about the lawsuit.