FPPC Files Injunction as Part of Broader Pre-Election Compliance Efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                            

October 23, 2024

For More Information Contact:

Jay Wierenga (916) 322-7761

.pdf version of news release

Sacramento, CA - The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), California’s governmental ethics and campaign disclosure agency, is intensifying its pre-election compliance and enforcement efforts with a focus on transparency and voter access to critical campaign information. As part of these efforts, the FPPC today filed a Complaint for Injunctive Relief and Monetary Penalties in Butte County Superior Court against David Fennell, a candidate for State Senate, District 1, in the November 5, 2024 General Election.

Fennell, who has a history of failing to comply with California’s campaign disclosure laws, has not filed the required campaign statements for the upcoming election, depriving the public of vital information regarding his campaign’s finances. This legal action is a significant step in the FPPC's larger initiative to ensure all candidates adhere to the Political Reform Act and provide full disclosure to voters ahead of Election Day.

“The FPPC’s proactive pre-election program is designed to ensure that voters have the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box,” said FPPC Enforcement Chief James Lindsay. “While our goal is compliance, not punishment, we are fully prepared to seek court orders to compel candidates to fulfill their legal obligations, when necessary, as we have done today with Mr. Fennell.”

The FPPC has been working diligently to identify non-compliant candidates through its Proactive Pre-Election Program, which engages local city and county clerks to monitor campaign filings. However, despite numerous outreach attempts, Fennell and his campaign have failed to file pre-election statements for the upcoming November General Election, necessitating this legal intervention.

The FPPC is asking the court to order Fennell and his committee to immediately file all outstanding campaign statements and reports. The court could also impose penalties in an amount yet to be determined.

“Our goal is to ensure every candidate complies with the law so that voters have access to the legally required information,” said FPPC Chair Adam E. Silver. “Today’s injunction against Mr. Fennell underscores the FPPC’s commitment to transparency and enforcement in the critical weeks leading up to Election Day.”

This action is part of a broader series of FPPC pre-election efforts, including the FPPC AdWATCH program, which allows the public to report improper political advertisements, and the prioritization of election-related complaints.

For more information on the FPPC’s enforcement programs and how to report non-compliant political advertisements, visit the FPPC AdWATCH portal on the FPPC website at http://www.fppc.ca.gov/enforcement/adwatch.html.

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