CVF-NEWS, February 8, 1998

TO: CVF-NEWS
FROM: Kim Alexander
SUBJECT: CA legislation intro'd to re-enact some of Prop. 208
Date: Sunday, February 8, 1998

Hi Folks:

I thought many of you would find this news release from Senator Betty Karnette of interest. She has introduced legislation to re-enact major portions of Proposition 208, the successful 1996 California initiative that enacted strict new campaign finance laws and was recently invalidated by a federal court judge.

Her bill, SB 304, would reinact portions of Prop. 208 that weren't of concern to Judge Lawrence Karlton -- specifically, allowing candidates to place statements and photos in ballot pamphlets, and requiring better disclosure of initiative funding. If you want to follow this or any other bill under consideration by the California Legislature, you can subscribe to it by visiting the California State Senate's page -- subscribers receive votes, analyses, amendments, file notices, and more). The address is http://www.sen.ca.gov.

-- Kim Alexander, President
California Voter Foundation
kimalex@netcom.com
916-325-2120

P.S. We are still accepting applications for CVF's new Managing Directorn position. Visit our web site at www.calvoter.org for more info.

Contact: Charles Wright
(916) 445-6447
Febuary. 4, 1998
Karnette To Salvage Portions Of Proposition 208

Sacramento - Senator Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach) along with California's leading proponents of campaign reform announced legislation today to reinstate provisions of Proposition 208.

"I have amended Senate Bill 304 to implement those portions of Proposition 208 that give voters vital information about candidates, ballot measures, and independent expenditures" said Karnette, Chair of the Senate Elections Committee. "Voters crave information about candidates and campaigns and want to know who finances ballot measures and independent expenditure committees. My bill will help provide that information."

Senate Bill 304 requires all ballot measure and independent expenditure advertisements disclose the top two contributors to the committee paying for the advertisement. It also allows statewide and legislative candidates to include statements in election materials sent to voters. These were sections in Proposition 208 that were unrelated to the contribution limits and other unconstitutional aspects. However, the ruling by Judge Karlton enjoined them from being enforced even though they were never specifically challenged. SB 304 would restore these sections in time for the November 3, 1998 General Election.

"Just because a car can't run anymore doesn't mean that some of the parts can't still be used," said Karnette. "I looked at 208 and found those sections that are constitutional and will provide voters with information. SB 304 is the result."

Karnette was joined at the announcement by Tony Miller, official proponent of Proposition 208, and representatives of Common Cause, the California Public Interest Research Group, the League of Women Voters, and the American Association of Retired Persons.
________________________

home • what's new • links • search • contact us