July 2, 2020 •
San Jose Council Approves Ballot Measure Barring Contributions and Gifts from Lobbyists
The City Council approved a November ballot measure relating to contributions and gifts from lobbyists.
The proposed measure would bar lobbyists from making campaign contributions.
The mayor, council members, and senior administrators would also be barred from accepting gifts from lobbyists or city contractors.
The mayor and council members would also be required to sit out of any vote involving a person or entity contributing to their campaign or other cause in the last 12 months and the three months following the vote.
The proposed initiative would also give the mayor the power to hire and fire the city manager and department heads starting January 1, 2023.
The measure also includes a provision to align San Jose’s mayoral races with the presidential election cycle in an effort to increase voter turnout.
The City Council will hold a special meeting on July 28 where they will review the proposed ballot language before sending it off to the county Registrar of Voters.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
