Santa Monica : Lobbying Curbs Extended

The City Council has tentatively agreed to expand its revolving-door ordinance to prohibit former Rent Control Board officials and employees from lobbying the board.

The amendment--which if approved on second reading in two weeks would take effect 30 days later--was sought by rent board officials, who feared that former employees may lobby their former co-workers for profit. The measure would amend a city ordinance that already prohibits former council members and city employees from lobbying the council.

Elected rent board members would be restricted from lobbying the board for six months after terminating their employment. Board employees would be prohibited from lobbying the board for two years after termination.

Former board officials, however, would be able to lobby the city, and former city officials may lobby the rent board. Employees and officials who leave the board before the amendment’s effective date would be exempt from the restrictions.

Penalties for lobbying the board within the restricted times include a fine of up to $500, possible termination of any action related to the lobbying and the possibility of being sued in civil court.