Sen. Padilla seeks blackout period on fundraising by state lawmakers

SACRAMENTO – State lawmakers would be prohibited from raising campaign funds for more than three months at the end of each legislative session under legislation proposed Thursday by state Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima).

The blackout on fundraising would apply to the 100 days before the end of each session, the last day of a session and the seven days after a session concludes. The proposal is part of a package of bills offered by Padilla that he said are aimed at strengthening the state Political Reform Act.

Padilla would also end the practice of politicians maintaining campaign committees and raising money for more than one office at the same time. He would also require campaigns to provide the state with a copy of all mailers and other communications with voters.

The package would also mandate that contributions of $100 or more be electronically reported within 24 hours during the 90 days preceding an election -- and within five business days at other times.

“A lack of timely disclosure of campaign contributions keeps the public from knowing who has made a contribution and who has received one as it happens,” Padilla said. “This is of particular concern toward the end of the legislative session as the fate of hundreds of bills is decided while fundraisers abound. Despite assurances, this overlap of critical votes and fundraising erodes the public’s faith in legislators’ ability to keep the two separate.”

Padilla is not the only candidate proposing significant changes to campaign fundraising. Independent candidate Dan Schnur has proposed that fundraising be banned while the Legislature is in session.

ALSO:

Lady Gaga: California’s new drought spokeswoman

Jerry Brown says he can help solve state water crisis

Gov. Jerry Brown hears from prison policy critics in Salinas

patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com