The Political Reform Act (Gov. Code Sections 81000-91014) requires most state and local government officials and employees to publicly disclose their economic interests including personal assets and income. The Act’s conflict of interest provisions also disqualify a public official from taking part in a governmental decision if it is reasonably foreseeable that the decision will have a material financial effect on these economic interests as well as the official’s personal finances and those of immediate family. (Gov. Code Sections 87100 and 87103.) The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is the state agency responsible for issuing the attached Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700, and for interpreting the Act’s provisions.
Gifts received by most state and local officials, employees, and candidates are subject to a limit. In 2021-2022, the gift limit increased to $520 from a single source during a calendar year. In 2019 and 2020, the gift limit was $500 from a single source during a calendar year.
Additionally, state officials, state candidates, and certain state employees are subject to a $10 limit per calendar month on gifts from lobbyists and lobbying firms registered with the Secretary of State. See Reference Pamphlet, page 10.
State and local officials and employees should check with their agency to determine if other restrictions apply.
Public officials are, under certain circumstances, required to disqualify themselves from making, participating in, or attempting to influence governmental decisions that will affect their economic interests. This may include interests they are not required to disclose. For example, a personal residence is often not reportable, but may be grounds for disqualification. Specific disqualification requirements apply to 87200 filers (e.g., city councilmembers, members of boards of supervisors, planning commissioners, etc.). These officials must publicly identify the economic interest that creates a conflict of interest and leave the room before a discussion or vote takes place at a public meeting. For more information, consult Government Code Section 87105, Regulation 18707, and the Guide to Recognizing Conflicts of Interest page at www.fppc.ca.gov.
Most state and local officials, employees, and candidates are prohibited from accepting an honorarium for any speech given, article published, or attendance at a conference, convention, meeting, or like gathering. (See Reference Pamphlet, page 10.)
Certain state and local officials are subject to restrictions on loans. (See Reference Pamphlet, page 14.)
There are restrictions on representing clients or employers before former agencies. The provisions apply to elected state officials, most state employees, local elected officials, county chief administrative officers, city managers, including the chief administrator of a city, and general managers or chief administrators of local special districts and JPAs. The FPPC website has fact sheets explaining the provisions.
The filing officer who retains originally-signed or electronically filed statements of economic interests may impose on an individual a fine for any statement that is filed late. The fine is $10 per day up to a maximum of $100. Late filing penalties may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances.
Persons who fail to timely file their Form 700 may be referred to the FPPC’s Enforcement Division (and, in some cases, to the Attorney General or district attorney) for investigation and possible prosecution. In addition to the late filing penalties, a fine of up to $5,000 per violation may be imposed.
For assistance concerning reporting, prohibitions, and restrictions under the Act:
Statements of Economic Interests are public documents. The filing officer must permit any member of the public to inspect and receive a copy of any statement.
End of Title Page, Restrictions and Prohibitions, HTML text-only version of Form 700, Years 2021 and 2022