REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
City Legislative Advocacy Position to Increase Disclosure Statement Requirements for Political Advertisements
Report
BACKGROUND
This report is presented at the request of the Mayor to provide the Council with an opportunity to establish a legislative advocacy position supporting efforts for greater transparency in political advertisements.
In 2012, the Council voted to support AB 1648 (Brownley) which attempted to make changes to required disclosures on campaign advertisements and mailers. That measure failed to pass out of the Senate. Similarly, in 2013, SB 52 (Leno and Hill), known as the DISCLOSE Act, failed in the State Assembly's final voting period of the legislative session. The bill would have required all political advertisements to prominently display the names of their three biggest funders.
In the past, regarding this topic, Council has taken positions on specific legislation. Although staff does not make a recommendation on whether or not the Council should take a position on this topic, it does urge Council to establish a long-term policy rather than specifically endorse a certain measure. That approach will enable Council and staff to perform advocacy in the future without having to return to Council for specific approval.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.4.14 Legislative Advocacy Positions: The LAP is utilized by Councilmembers and staff throughout the year to determine City positions on legislation and intergovernmental issues and minimizes the need for staff to request direction from Council on legislation and issues as they arise.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
N/A
DISCUSSION
Legislation has once again been introduced at the State Capitol which would pursue additional regulations and requirements regarding funding sources of political advertisements. AB 700 (Levine and Gomez) is one such bill, which would require significantly greater transparency in political ads. The bill requires the top t...
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