Recent Amendments to California Law Heighten Donor Disclosure, Strengthen Regulators’ Enforcement Power

On May 14, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Senate Bill 27, a bill designed to heighten disclosure of donors to politically active nonprofit groups.  For so-called “multipurpose organizations” that make California contributions of more than $50,000 in a year, or $100,000 over four years, the law will require disclosure of certain donors based on “last in, first out” accounting.  This differs from the regulations currently in force; under the present “one bite” rule, multipurpose groups can typically make one initial contribution without triggering donor-disclosure obligations.  SB 27’s new requirements will become operative on July 1, 2014. In another California development, Governor Brown signed AB800 into law last month.  This law significantly strengthens the Fair Political Practices Commission’s (FPPC) ability to investigate and enforce the state’s campaign finance and lobbying laws.  The provisions became effective immediately.

Source: Recent Amendments to California Law Heighten Donor Disclosure, Strengthen Regulators’ Enforcement Power - Election Law News - Wiley Rein LLP