October 14, 2019 •
California Governor Signs Lobbying and Campaign Finance Bills
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills addressing lobbying and campaign finance transparency. Assembly Bill 902 codifies current regulations into law, including regulations regarding filing deadlines, bookkeeping, and lobbyist registration. Assembly Bill 201 broadens the definition of mass mailing […]
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills addressing lobbying and campaign finance transparency.
Assembly Bill 902 codifies current regulations into law, including regulations regarding filing deadlines, bookkeeping, and lobbyist registration.
Assembly Bill 201 broadens the definition of mass mailing to include campaign-related mass texting. Mass text messages are required to include the name or image of a candidate, or refer to a ballot measure.
Additional bills passed address campaign spending by candidate committees.
Senate Bill 71 prohibits the expenditure of funds in a legal defense fund campaign account to pay or reimburse a candidate or elected officer for attorney’s fees or other legal costs.
The bill also prohibits the use of campaign funds to pay for fines, penalties, judgments, or settlements, except as specified.
The bills become effective on January 1, 2020.
September 18, 2019 •
California Legislative Session Adjourns
The California Legislature adjourned the 2019 session on September 13. Campaign Finance Bills Passed The legislature passed several campaign finance bills during the session. Assembly Bill 220 prohibits the use of campaign funds to pay for professional services not directly […]
The California Legislature adjourned the 2019 session on September 13.
Campaign Finance Bills Passed
The legislature passed several campaign finance bills during the session.
Assembly Bill 220 prohibits the use of campaign funds to pay for professional services not directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose. The bill also authorizes the use of campaign funds to pay for child care expenses resulting from a candidate or officeholder engaging in campaign activities or performing official duties.
Assembly Bill 571 makes a technical, nonsubstantive change to a provision of the Political Reform Act of 1974. The provision prohibits candidates for elective state office or committees controlled by that candidate from making a contribution to another candidate for elective state office in excess of $3,000.
Senate Bill 71 prohibits the expenditure of funds in a legal defense fund campaign account to pay or reimburse a candidate or elected officer for attorney’s fees or other legal costs.
The bill also prohibits the use of campaign funds for fines, penalties, judgments, or settlements, except as specified.
Electioneering Bill Passed
Assembly Bill 201 broadens the definition of mass mailing to include campaign-related mass texting. Mass text messages will be required to include the name or image of a candidate or refer to a ballot measure.
Lobbying Bill Passed
Assembly Bill 902 codifies current regulations into law, including regulations regarding filing deadlines, bookkeeping, and lobbyist registration.
The last day for the governor to sign or veto bills passed by the legislature during the 2019 legislative session is October 13.
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.