Title
a. Introduce, waive reading and set October 3, 2017 for adoption of an ordinance adding Chapter 1.11 to the Monterey County Code regulating disclosure requirements for political campaigns and contribution limits to County elective officeholders and elective office candidates.
b. Provide direction to modify the proposed ordinance. (REVISED VIA SUPPLEMENTAL)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Introduce, waive reading and set October 3, 2017 for adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter adding Chapter 1.11 to the Monterey County Code regulating disclosure requirements for political campaigns and contribution limits to County elective officeholders and elective office candidates.
b. Provide direction to modify the proposed ordinance.
SUMMARY:
In response to BOS Referral 2017.04, Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance, the County Counsel's Office drafted the attached proposed ordinance. It includes components of contribution limits as well as transparency oriented disclosure and filing requirements. This ordinance will compliment and expand on the disclosure electronic filing requirements of County Code Chapter 1.10.
DISCUSSION:
State law, embodied in the Political Reform Act ("Act"), imposes certain restrictions and requirements on contributions and expenditures related to state and local campaigns. The Fair Political Practices Commission ("FPPC") adopted implementing regulations for the Act and has enforcement authority over many campaign finance issues. Most of the regulations are designed for state-wide offices and measures, but certain reporting requirements are imposed for all campaigns in the State, including local races. State law also allows counties to adopt additional restrictions and requirements by ordinance, provided the limits apply to county offices and do not conflict with state law. Such local ordinances must be filed with the FPPC. Many cities and counties have adopted similar ordinances.
The...
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