Judges: disqualification.

Existing law sets forth the grounds for disqualification of a judge, including, but not limited to, if the judge has a financial interest in the subject matter in a proceeding or in a party to the proceeding. This bill would provide for the disqualification of a judge who has received a contribution in excess of $1,500 from a party or lawyer in the proceeding, and either the contribution was received in support of the judge's last election, if the last election was within the last 6 years, or the contribution was received in anticipation of an upcoming election. The bill would further disqualify a judge based on a contribution of a lesser amount under specified circumstances. The bill would require the judge to disclose any contribution from a party or lawyer in a matter that is before the court that is required to be reported, as specified, even if the amount would not require disqualification under these provisions. The bill would permit the party that did not make the contribution to waive this disqualification, except as specified.