(a) “API” means the Application Programming Interface built within CAL-ACCESS to permit a software vendor's electronic filing system to communicate with the Secretary of State's CAL-ACCESS electronic filing system.

(b) “Business day” means each day in which the Secretary of State's office is open to the public for business, as specified in Government Code Section 11020.

(c) “CAL-ACCESS” means the Secretary of State's California Automated Lobbyist and Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Search System, an electronic filing system maintained by the Secretary of State pursuant to Government Code Section 84602 for use by the persons and entities specified in Government Code section 84605 and which provides financial information provided by these groups to the public.

(d) “Electronic Filing Specifications” means the most current version of the nonproprietary standardized record format for the transmission of data that is required of persons and entities required to file online under Government Code Section 84605 and that conforms to the disclosure requirements of the Political Reform Act of 1974. The Electronic Filing Specifications are issued, updated periodically, and maintained by the Secretary of State. Periodic updates may be needed due to improvements or modifications to CAL-ACCESS; changes in disclosure requirements in the Political Reform Act of 1974; changes in Fair Political Practices Commission regulations or forms; or changes in other state laws and regulations.

(e) “Electronic filing system” or “system” means any web-based or desktop-based software maintained by a software vendor that facilitates the filing of statements and reports with CAL-ACCESS through the API.

(f) “Filer” shall have the same meaning as specified in Government Code Section 82026.

(g) “Software vendor” means any person or entity outside of the Secretary of State that maintains an electronic filing system.