December 17, 2020 •
Court Upholds FPPC Regulations Involving Use of Public Money in Campaigns
In a recent case, a Superior Court Judge ruled in favor of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). The judge upheld its authority to require disclosure of public money by public entities during an election campaign. The FPPC faced a […]
In a recent case, a Superior Court Judge ruled in favor of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
The judge upheld its authority to require disclosure of public money by public entities during an election campaign.
The FPPC faced a challenge from the California State Association of Counties and California School Boards Association of its regulations requiring government agencies spending taxpayer money to influence voters to disclose their activity in the same manner as other individuals, groups, and entities who spend money to influence voters.
In a ruling in Los Angeles Superior Court, the Honorable Judge Mitchell Beckloff ruled the regulations in question are legal and within the authority of the FPPC.
The ruling bolsters the FPPC’s determination these regulations are valid and enforceable.
December 14, 2020 •
Governor Newsom Bans Paid Consultants from Lobbying in New Ethics Memo
Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced a lobbying ban for his paid political advisers. This ban comes after weeks of criticism over his close ties to consultants who also work for corporate clients and other influential interests at the state Capitol. In […]
Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced a lobbying ban for his paid political advisers.
This ban comes after weeks of criticism over his close ties to consultants who also work for corporate clients and other influential interests at the state Capitol.
In a memo shared by the governor’s office, Newsom’s chief of staff, Ann O’Leary, announced a new ethics policy.
The policy bars any of his paid campaign or political consultants from directly lobbying the governor, his staff or state agencies under his control.
Gov. Newsom also committed to not hiring any registered lobbyists as paid consultants.
The ban is effective immediately.
Furthermore, the governor has directed his legal affairs secretary to appoint a chief ethics advisor to advise him and his team on all ethics matters.
December 9, 2020 •
Los Angeles Ethics Commission Appoints New Executive Director
The Ethics Commission on Tuesday announced the unanimous selection of David Tristan to serve as the next executive director. Tristan succeeds Heather Holt, who was hired in 2006 and has served as the executive director since 2011. His appointment will […]
The Ethics Commission on Tuesday announced the unanimous selection of David Tristan to serve as the next executive director.
Tristan succeeds Heather Holt, who was hired in 2006 and has served as the executive director since 2011.
His appointment will become effective January 18.
Per the Los Angeles City Charter, the Ethics Commission appoints and discharges its own executive director.
The term limit is 10 years.
Additionally, the executive director may not hold any other public office, be employed as a lobbyist and cannot participate or contribute to any city election campaign during their tenure.
November 30, 2020 •
Fair Political Practices Commission Adopts Cost of Living Adjustment Regulations
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) adopted cost of living adjustment regulations amending contribution limits and gift limit amounts. The newly adjusted contribution limit in effect for candidates for the Senate or Assembly and candidates for elected seats to the […]
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) adopted cost of living adjustment regulations amending contribution limits and gift limit amounts.
The newly adjusted contribution limit in effect for candidates for the Senate or Assembly and candidates for elected seats to the Board of Administration of the Public Employees Retirement System for an election occurring during the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022 is now $4,900 per person.
The newly adjusted annual gift limit amount in effect for the period January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, is $520.
November 30, 2020 •
Fair Political Practices Commission Adopts Cost of Living Adjustment Regulations
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) adopted cost of living adjustment regulations amending contribution limits and gift limit amounts. The newly adjusted contribution limit in effect for candidates for the Senate or Assembly and candidates for elected seats to the […]
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) adopted cost of living adjustment regulations amending contribution limits and gift limit amounts.
The newly adjusted contribution limit in effect for candidates for the Senate or Assembly and candidates for elected seats to the Board of Administration of the Public Employees Retirement System for an election occurring during the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022 is now $4,900 per person.
The newly adjusted annual gift limit amount in effect for the period January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, is $520.
November 23, 2020 •
San Luis Obispo County Adopts Campaign Contribution Limits
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 on Friday to set campaign contribution limits at $25,000. Hundreds of community members called in asking the county go with the forthcoming state limit of $4,700. Opponents of the $25,000 […]
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 on Friday to set campaign contribution limits at $25,000.
Hundreds of community members called in asking the county go with the forthcoming state limit of $4,700.
Opponents of the $25,000 ceiling voiced concerns the higher limit would lead to corruption.
Others argued the county should not make a decision until a replacement for deceased Supervisor Adam Hill is seated.
Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation limiting campaign contributions to local candidates to $4,700 in cities and counties not having their own contribution limits.
Those limits go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.
The $25,000 limit will apply to candidates for 10 county offices, including the five supervisors, the district attorney, and the sheriff.
September 28, 2020 •
Governor Signs Bill Restoring Non-Presidential Year Primaries to June
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill moving non-presidential year primaries back to June. Senate Bill 970 will return California to the traditional midterm primary date. The bill becomes effective January 1, 2021.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill moving non-presidential year primaries back to June.
Senate Bill 970 will return California to the traditional midterm primary date.
The bill becomes effective January 1, 2021.
September 8, 2020 •
California Lawmakers Pass Campaign Finance Bill
The Legislature presented a bill to Gov. Gavin Newsom relating to online filing and disclosure of specific statements, reports, and other documents. Assembly Bill 2151 requires a local government agency to post on its internet website, within 72 hours of […]
The Legislature presented a bill to Gov. Gavin Newsom relating to online filing and disclosure of specific statements, reports, and other documents.
Assembly Bill 2151 requires a local government agency to post on its internet website, within 72 hours of the applicable filing deadline, a copy of any specified statement, report, or other document required by Chapter 4 of the Political Reform Act of 1974 filed with the agency in paper format.
In addition, the statement, report, or other document must be made available for four years from the date of the election associated with the filing.
Finally, if signed by the governor, the bill becomes effective January 1, 2021.
September 1, 2020 •
California Legislature Adjourns for the Year
Lawmakers ended the 2020 legislative session beleaguered by COVID-19, wildfires, a tanked economy, and a looming eviction crisis. Each chamber worked through roughly 100 bills on their final day, before adjourning after midnight. The Senate kept passing bills until shortly […]
Lawmakers ended the 2020 legislative session beleaguered by COVID-19, wildfires, a tanked economy, and a looming eviction crisis.
Each chamber worked through roughly 100 bills on their final day, before adjourning after midnight.
The Senate kept passing bills until shortly after 1 a.m.
Some of the bills lawmakers sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom include eviction relief, police reform, COVID-19 response, and a flavored tobacco ban.
The governor has until September 30 to sign or veto any of the bills.
July 7, 2020 •
City of Oakland Launches Online Lobbyist Registration, Reporting System
The Oakland Public Ethics Commission has launched the OAKAPPS Lobbyist Registration and Reporting System. This system allows users to register as an Oakland lobbyist, maintain a client list, enter lobbyist activity, draft disclosure reports, and submit them online. It is […]
The Oakland Public Ethics Commission has launched the OAKAPPS Lobbyist Registration and Reporting System.
This system allows users to register as an Oakland lobbyist, maintain a client list, enter lobbyist activity, draft disclosure reports, and submit them online.
It is available at https://apps.oaklandca.gov/OakApps/OakApps.aspx.
In order to use the system, a user name and password is needed.
For questions about using this new system, please contact the Oakland Public Ethics Commission at ethicscommission@oaklandca.gov or 510-238-3593.
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 […]
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.
June 30, 2020 •
California Legislature Passes Special Election Bill
Lawmakers passed a bill calling a statewide special election to be consolidated and held on November 3, 2020. Senate Bill 300 requires the Office of the Secretary of State to submit various Assembly Constitutional Amendments, including lowering the voting age, […]
Lawmakers passed a bill calling a statewide special election to be consolidated and held on November 3, 2020.
Senate Bill 300 requires the Office of the Secretary of State to submit various Assembly Constitutional Amendments, including lowering the voting age, wages, elections, and state of emergency procedures, to voters for their approval at the general election if the amendments are passed by the Legislature on or before July 1, 2020.
If signed by the governor, the bill would take effect immediately as an act calling an election.
May 14, 2020 •
California Becomes First State to Mail Ballots to All Voters
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order requiring election officials to send mail-in ballots to every registered voter ahead of the November general election. Newsom acknowledged attempting traditional voting on a mass scale would likely still be too dangerous […]
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order requiring election officials to send mail-in ballots to every registered voter ahead of the November general election.
Newsom acknowledged attempting traditional voting on a mass scale would likely still be too dangerous even in November due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In-person voting is still expected to occur, but the number of people voting at polling places is expected to decline.
April 10, 2020 •
FPPC Offers Guidance on Lobbying Filing Deadlines in Wake of COVID-19
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has issued an advisory encouraging people subject to lobbying registration and reporting requirements to continue to make the best efforts to timely file all legally required reports and statements. However, it may be […]
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has issued an advisory encouraging people subject to lobbying registration and reporting requirements to continue to make the best efforts to timely file all legally required reports and statements.
However, it may be difficult for some to file statements and reports given the shelter-in-place order and other issues caused by the pandemic.
If circumstances caused by COVID-19 inhibit the filing of a lobbying report or statement, the filer should communicate these issues to the Office of the Secretary of State and document all attempts to file and the issues faced.
While quarterly lobbying reports are filed electronically, the law requires certain other statements be filed on paper with an original signature.
Restrictions imposed to fight the spread of COVID-19 may make the logistics of filing documents on paper with original signatures difficult or even impossible.
To the extent this is the case, people required to file lobbying forms on paper with original signatures are encouraged to make use of digital and electronic options for filing reports to ensure timely filing.
Paper statements with original signatures will need to be filed when feasible.
If a person with lobbying filing requirements makes best efforts to comply with the Political Reform Act’s lobbying registration and reporting rules but is unable to do so due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FPPC will consider this a strong mitigating factor in determining whether an enforcement action against the person is appropriate.
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