FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) was created by the Political Reform Act of 1974, a ballot initiative passed by California voters as Proposition 9. The Commission consists of five members, including a full-time chairperson. No more than three may be from the same political party.
The Governor appoints chairperson and one member, who must be from different political parties. The Attorney General, the Secretary of State and the Controller appoint the three remaining commissioners, respectively. Commissioners serve four-year terms and may not be reappointed once they have completed a full term.
The Fair Political Practices Commission has primary responsibility for the impartial, effective administration of the Political Reform Act. The Commission adopts regulations to implement and clarify the Political Reform Act. These regulations are found in Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 18000 et seq.
The FPPC educates the public and public officials on the requirements of the Act. It provides written and oral advice to public agencies and officials; conducts seminars and training sessions; develops forms, manuals and instructions; and receives and files statements of economic interests from many state and local officials.
The FPPC investigates alleged violations of the Political Reform Act, imposes penalties when appropriate, and assists state and local agencies in developing and enforcing conflict-of-interest codes.
The FPPC regulates:
- Campaign financing and spending
- Financial conflicts of interest
- Lobbyist registration and reporting
- Post-governmental employment
- Mass mailings at public expense and
- Gifts and honoraria given to public officials and candidates
Political Reform Act
There are a number of state laws that affect officeholders and candidates. For example, the Political Reform Act requires all public officials to complete statements of economic interests and to disclose their private economic interests. The Political Reform Act also requires public officials to disqualify themselves from participating in decisions in which they have a financial interest. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) enforces the Political Reform Act. For more information about the Political Reform Act, please visit the Fair Political Practices Commission website.