FPPC measures to clarify the Political Reform Act sponsored by Assemblymember Marc Levine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2019

For More Information Contact:

Jay Wierenga (916) 322-7761

The FPPC today announced Assemblymember Marc Levine will author two, Commission-sponsored proposals that streamline the Political Reform Act, California’s landmark law which helps shed light on campaign finance, lobbying spending, and conflicts of interest. Levine will sponsor legislation designed to clarify and reduce some of the complexity of the Act, which was originally approved by Californians in 1974.

AB 903 would clarify confusing legal language in state law related to pre-election statements and income from gifts or a business entity.

AB 902 would codify in law several current regulations that include definitions and deadlines. This new clarity ensures a more streamline and sensible Political Reform Act.

“California’s campaign finance, lobbying disclosure and conflict of interest laws are the centerpiece of our efforts to promote transparency, ethics and public accountability,” said Assemblymember Levine. “At a time when national politics are too often cloaked in dark money, AB 903 and AB 902 will modernize California’s Political Reform Act to make sure that candidates, elected officials, advocates and the public are provided with accurate and timely information.”

“We are always looking for ways to make the law easier to understand and follow,” said FPPC Chair Alice Germond. “We would much rather help people comply so the public has the information rather than have enforcement actions. We’d much rather play ‘help you’, than ‘gotcha’.

”The bills are part of the Commissions ongoing efforts to improve education and compliance of the Act, which is often too complex and cumbersome.

The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is California’s governmental ethics and campaign disclosure agency.

xxx