Political Reform Act of 1974: campaign funds.

Existing provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974 prohibit a spouse or domestic partner of an elected officer or a candidate for elective office from receiving compensation from campaign funds held by a controlled committee of the officer or candidate for services rendered in connection with fundraising, as specified. This bill would instead prohibit a spouse or domestic partner of an elected officer or a candidate for elective office from receiving compensation, in exchange for any services rendered, from campaign funds held by a controlled committee of the officer or candidate. A violation of the act's provisions is punishable as a misdemeanor. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. The Political Reform Act of 1974, an initiative measure, provides that the Legislature may amend the act to further the act's purposes upon a 23 vote of each house and compliance with specified procedural requirements. This bill would declare that it furthers the purposes of the act.