Lawmakers OK ban on fundraisers in lobbyists’ homes

Lobbyists would no longer be allowed to host political fundraisers in their homes for state candidates under a bill given final legislative approval Thursday by the California Assembly just six months after a scandal involving the practice.

The bill, which now goes to Gov. Jerry Brown for consideration, was introduced by state Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) after the state ethics watchdog agency in February levied a record $133,500 fine against lobbyist Kevin Sloat and his firm for improperly making campaign contributions to 39 elected officials through the hosting of fundraisers at Sloat’s home.

While lobbyists are already barred from directly contributing to campaigns of state officials, a loophole allowed them to host officials’ fundraisers in their homes as long as “home hospitality” expenses did not exceed $500.

The state Fair Political Practices Commission charged that Sloat, in hosting fundraisers at his Sacramento mansion, exceeded the $500 limit by providing expensive cigars, wines, liquor and floral arrangements at the events.

State officials whose fundraisers were hosted by Sloat, including Brown, were issued warning letters by the commission instead of fines after investigators determined there wasn’t evidence the politicians knew the $500 limit was exceeded.

Still, Lara said the practice raises questions about the relationship between politicians and the lobbyists who host them in their homes adding that it should be abolished by his SB 1441.

Those who held fundraisers at Sloat’s home between March 2009 and October 2012 include 25 current and former members of the Assembly.

Warning letters went to then-Assembly Speaker John Perez (D-Los Angeles), current Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), Assembly minority leader Connie Conway (R-Tulare), and majority floor leader V. Manuel Perez (D-Coachella).

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