Political Reform Act of 1974: contribution limitations.

The Political Reform Act of 1974 prohibits a public officer from expending or accepting any public moneys for the purpose of seeking elective office. The act imposes various limitations on contributions that may be made to, or accepted by, candidates for elective office, for statewide elective office, and for Governor. The act exempts a political party committee from these contribution limitations. The act makes a violation of its provisions punishable as a misdemeanor and subject to specified penalties. This bill instead would make political party committees subject to these contribution limitations. By expanding the scope of an existing crime with regard to a violation of the contribution limitation, 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. The Political Reform Act of 1974, an initiative measure, provides that the act may be amended by a statute that becomes effective upon approval of the voters. This bill would call a special election to be consolidated with the statewide direct primary scheduled for June 5, 2018. It would require the Secretary of State to submit the provisions of the bill that would amend the Political Reform Act of 1974 to the voters for approval at that election. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an act calling an election.