A wave of ethics-related bills is washing over the California Capitol after two recent corruption scandals. There were several bills that were introduced Tuesday.
State lawmakers want to reassure the public that most of them operate in good faith. They’re introducing a flurry of bills meant to keep elected officials on the right path to reinforce that idea.
Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia has introduced a package of five bills that would, among other things, increase fines for lawmakers convicted of bribery and prevent the use of campaign funds to pay restitution. Garcia says she hopes the discussion on ethical behavior doesn’t stop when the shock of recent corruption scandals wears off.
“I am taking advantage of the opportunity, given what is out there and the need to respond. But I hope this is more of a precedent for something we’re going to be doing even when we’re not in a crisis mode,” Garcia said.
Another bill introduced in a Senate committee would extend the statute of limitations on bribery charges. A group of senators has also introduced a package of legislation that would ban fundraisers at lobbyists’ homes and prohibit elected officials from accepting gifts from lobbyists.
