REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager
VIA: Travis K. Hopkins, Assistant City Manager
PREPARED BY: Shannon Levin, Council Policy Analyst
Subject:
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Campaign Contributions and Compliance with the Political Reform Act per Senate Bill 1439
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Statement of Issue:
The Political Reform Act of 1974 governs the disclosure of political campaign contributions, spending by candidates and ballot measure committees. It also sets ethics rules for state and local government officials that impose strict limits on decisions or votes that affect the official's financial interests. In September 2022, Senate Bill 1439 passed into law, applying campaign contribution prohibitions to state and local agencies such as city councils and boards of supervisors.
The purpose of this report is to establish procedures to ensure the City's compliance with Government Code Section 84308, generally known as the Levine Act, and facilitate the efforts of City officers, parties, participants, and agents in their efforts to comply with the act.
Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Receive and file this report.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not receive and file this report, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
In 2022, the California Legislature passed SB 1439, a bill that amended Section 84308 of the Political Reform Act ("the Act"). The changes took effect on January 1, 2023.
The amended law prohibits elected officials from taking part in a license, permit, or other entitlement for use proceeding if the official has received a contribution exceeding $250 from a party or participant in the proceeding within the previous 12 months and in the twelve months following the decision.
* A "party" is any person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use.
* A "participant" is a...
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