Governor Jerry Brown Signs Bill Making Improvements to the Political Reform Act — AB 800

Sacramento, CA — Today, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 800, authored by Assembly Member Richard Gordon (D-Menlo Park) and advocated for by California Common Cause. This new law would expand the ability of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to investigate suspected campaign finance violations prior to Election Day.

In October of 2012, an anonymous $11 million donation was made to a state ballot measure committee by an out-of-state nonprofit. California Common Cause filed a complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to require the group to disclose its donors.

Going forward, AB 800 will make it easier for the FPPC to audit suspicious campaign activity like this $11 million dollar donation. The bill will also help streamline parts of the disclosure, reporting, and enforcement process and make it easier for the public to understand where the money in our elections is coming from.

“In signing AB 800, the Governor today took an important step in the direction of improving California’s regulation of money in politics,” said Sarah Swanbeck, policy and legislative affairs advocate for California Common Cause. “This is a huge win for all Californians who will see improved transparency in our elections and improved information about who is funding candidates and campaigns.”