Election campaigns: candidate misrepresentation.

Existing law provides that every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who, with intent to mislead the voters in connection with his or her campaign for nomination or election to a public office, or in connection with the campaign of another person for nomination or election to a public office, assumes, pretends, or implies, by his or her statements or conduct, that he or she is the incumbent of a public office, or has been acting in the capacity of a public officer, when that is not the case. This bill would specify that a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if he or she assumes, pretends, or implies by his or her campaign materials that he or she is the incumbent of a public office, or has been acting in the capacity of a public officer, when that is not the case. By expanding the activities that constitute a crime, the 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.