Political Reform Act of 1974: foreign agents.

Under existing law, an individual or entity that receives compensation to influence legislative or administrative action, as specified, is required to register as a lobbyist or lobbying firm. This bill would require certain individuals who engage in specified activities related to influencing legislative or administrative action to register as an agent of a foreign principal and to file periodic reports with the Secretary of State, pursuant to procedures set forth in, and subject to enforcement under, the Political Reform Act of 1974. A violation of the Political Reform Act of 1974 is punishable as a misdemeanor. By expanding the scope of existing crimes, 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 of the Legislature and compliance with specified procedural requirements. This bill would declare that it furthers the purposes of the act.