Ethics in government.

Existing law provides that a cause of action against a person arising from any act of that person in furtherance of the person's right of petition or free speech under the United States or California Constitution in connection with a public issue shall be subject to a special motion to strike, unless the court determines that the plaintiff has established that there is a probability that the plaintiff will prevail on the claim. The Political Reform Act of 1974, including provisions known as the Ethics in Government Act of 1990, imposes ethical standards on elected officials and candidates for elective or judicial office, including provisions governing the acceptance of gifts, honoraria, and campaign contributions. Existing law authorizes a person to sue for injunctive relief to enjoin violations of, or to compel compliance with, these provisions. This bill would provide that the special motion to strike described above shall not apply to a cause of action brought by a private citizen or business entity pursuant to the provision authorizing a person to sue for injunctive relief to enjoin violations of, or to compel compliance with, the provisions imposing ethical standards on elected officials and candidates for elective or judicial office.