Bill Introduced to Restore Limits on Campaign Funding

Legislation has been introduced in the Assembly to restore limits on campaign contributions to candidates for elective office.

Essentially, the measure (AB 2328) by Assemblyman Ross Johnson (R-La Habra) would reinstate Proposition 73 of 1988, which was approved by voters but struck down by a federal court. An appeal is pending.

The bill would impose a contribution limit of $1,000 from any individual or business firm to any state and local candidate during an election cycle, $2,500 from small political committees, and $5,000 from broader-based political action committees and political parties.

It also would ban the transfer of campaign funds between candidates and prohibit public financing of campaigns.

“Legislators often talk about enforcing the will of the people,” Johnson said. “Well, here is their opportunity. The people want reform. They have spoken on this issue. It’s time to follow their lead.”

ASSEMBLY

Committee Action

Shake Roofs: The Housing and Community Development Committee approved a bill (AB 2131) by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria) to ban the use of non-fire retardant treated shake roof shingles after Jan. 1, 1993. A 10-1 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

Doctor Referrals: The Health Committee approved a bill (AB 819) by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-South San Francisco) to prohibit doctors from referring patients to laboratories or clinics in which the physicians have a financial interest. A 9-2 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

Bill Introductions

King Beating: AB 2340 by Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson (D-Los Angeles) would require any law enforcement officer who witnesses an unlawful assault to file a report with his or her superiors within 48 hours of the incident. Failure to do so would be a misdemeanor offense. The measure stems from the Rodney G. King beating by law enforcement officers in Los Angeles.

Term Limits: AB 2324 by Assemblyman Dean Andal (R-Stockton) would impose a limit of two terms of four years each on mayors, city councils, county boards of supervisors and governing boards of school districts and special districts that represent regions with more than 25,000 people.

More Term Limits: AB 2325 by Assemblyman Dean Andal (R-Stockton) would prohibit the state insurance commissioner from serving more than two four-year terms in office.

Still More Term Limits: AJR 56, also by Andal, asks Congress to propose a U.S. constitutional amendment providing for a 12-year lifetime limit on individual elective service in the Senate and House.

Charities: AB 2338 by Assemblyman Steve Peace (D-Rancho San Diego) would prohibit charities engaged in fund-raising activities from using names or symbols that are misleading because they are the same or similar to those in use by other charities.

SENATE

Committee Action

Tobacco Sales: The Governmental Organization Committee reversed itself and approved a bill (SB 1099) by Sen. Nicholas Petris (D-Oakland) designed to curb the sale of tobacco products to minors. Dealers would face possible license suspension or revocation and fines for such sales. The proposed legislation died in the same committee last year. A 7-3 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee.

Bill Introductions

Home Deliveries: SB 1287 by Sen. Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) would require retailers to inform consumers of the specific four-hour time period during which home deliveries of purchases shall be made at the time of sale or before the scheduled delivery date.

Legislative Analyst: SCA 33 by Sen. Daniel E. Boatwright (D-Concord) would continue the existence of the legislative analyst’s office and exclude its expenditures from reductions required by terms of Proposition 140.

Miscellaneous

Replaced Books: In a surprise move, senators quietly got together and donated more than 100 collected books to help restore the library of Sen. Nicholas Petris (D-Oakland), which contained thousands of valuable volumes that were lost when the Oakland hills fire burned his home down. “This is a very touching moment for me,” a wet-eyed Petris said as his colleagues presented him with the books on the Senate floor. Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles) led the behind-the-scenes drive to help rebuild Petris’ lost library.

Capital Fact

A total of 8.5 million Californians are expected to receive state income tax refunds this year, according to the state Franchise Tax Board.