November 8, 2019 •
California Fair Political Practices Commission Proposes Materiality Standard Amendments
On December 19, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) will consider proposed amendments to the materiality standard in both Regulations 18702.4 and 18702.5.
The proposed amendment to Regulation 18702.4 would set the appropriate materiality standards for economic interests in sources of gifts.
Standards would be such that a financial effect on a nonprofit source of income would be considered material if the source is a nonprofit organization that will be financially affected under the materiality standards applied to a nonprofit source of income interest.
The FPPC would also repeal the existing Regulation 18702.5 and adopt new language.
New language would update the materiality standard applicable to a personal financial effect for improved clarity and guidance.
Language would make that standard an objective, bright-line standard, met when a decision would have a personal financial effect worth $500 or more rather than when the official or the official’s immediate family member will receive a measurable financial benefit or loss from the decision.
The FPPC is accepting written comments on the proposals until December 17, 2019.
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.
