AB 673

Currently, with limited exceptions, no lobbyist or principal may make a political

contribution to a partisan elective state official, including the governor, or his or her

personal campaign committee, except in the year of the official's election during the

period between June 1 and the day of the general election.

This bill provides that no person may make a political contribution to the

governor or his or her personal campaign or authorized support committee if the

person may be affected by a proposed rule on which action by the governor is pending.

Violators are subject to a forfeiture (civil penalty) of not more than treble the amount

of the unlawful contribution for each violation. Intentional violators are guilty of a

misdemeanor and may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than

six months, or both.

The bill also provides that no lobbyist who attempts to influence rule making

by a state agency may make a political contribution to the governor or his or her

personal campaign committee at any time that action on a proposed rule on which

the lobbyist has attempted to influence action is pending before the governor.

Similarly, the bill provides that no person who engages a lobbyist (principal) may

make a political contribution to the governor or his or her personal campaign

committee if the principal's lobbyist is prohibited from doing so. Lobbyists who

violate the prohibition created by the bill are subject to a forfeiture of not more than

$1,000 for each violation. Principals who violate the prohibition are subject to a

forfeiture of not more than $5,000 for each violation.