By: Jason Henry | OC Register
Eight trade associations and two Sacramento County politicians are suing to stop a new anti-pay-to-play law that prevents elected officials from voting on matters involving the people and companies who contribute to their campaigns.
Senate Bill 1439, in effect since Jan. 1, requires public officeholders — from city councils to school boards, water boards and county supervisors — to recuse themselves from votes and discussions if the official has received more than $250 within 12 months from someone with a financial interest in the decision. Supporters argued the new law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, ends blatant, but until now legal, influence peddling across the state.
But the newly filed litigation against the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission, the agency tasked with enforcing it, alleges the law is overly broad, improperly alters the state’s Political Reform Act and infringes on constitutional free speech protections related to the right to petition governments.
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