California Assembly OKs measure giving ethics agency more powers

The state’s ethics watchdog agency would have new powers to launch civil and administrative prosecutions against public officials for conflict-of-interest violations under a bill approved Friday by the California Assembly.

Under current law, if the state attorney general or a county district attorney declines to pursue a criminal prosecution in a conflict-of-interest case, the case is over. The measure by Assemblyman Paul Fong (D-Cupertino) gives the state Fair Political Practices Commission the power to seek civil or administrative fines, if criminal prosecution is rejected.

“This is a great improvement, which will lead to more enforcement on those who violate conflict-of-interest laws,� said Phillip Ung, a policy advocate for California Common Cause.

The Assembly voted, 58-13, providing the required two-thirds vote to approve AB 1090. It now goes to the state Senate for consideration.

“AB 1090 takes an important step forward towards ensuring that public officials conduct the public’s business in an ethical manner, free from any financial conflicts of interest,� Fong said in a statement afterward.

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) opposed the bill, saying it would create confusion in enforcement. He said any person subject to potential criminal exposure would be unlikely to cooperate with any civil enforcement by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

The Assembly also delayed action Friday on a separate bill that would require public disclosure of sources of donations of $50,000 or more to nonprofit groups if the donor knows it will be used to make a political campaign contribution or independent expenditure.

Assemblyman Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) introduced the bill in response to an $11-million donation to a California campaign committee in November by an Arizona nonprofit, Americans for Responsible Leadership, which received the money from two other nonprofits. The original source of the money was not disclosed.

“Without legislative action, we will continue to see last-minute ‘money bombs’ flowing into California elections without informing voters where this money is coming from,� Dickinson said. “The public has a right to know the source of the money so informed decisions can be made at the ballot box.�

AB 45 received a rule waiver allowing it to be heard in committee in the next few weeks.

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