FPPC takes numerous actions in 2022 to ensure transparency and stay ahead of political trends
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2023
For More Information Contact:
Jay Wierenga (916) 322-7761
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), California’s governmental ethics and campaign disclosure agency, released its 2022 Annual Report, which details numerous steps taken by the Commission to provide more transparency in the political process, as well as actions taken to modernize and improve service to those under the FPPC’s jurisdiction.
One of the significant accomplishments of 2022 is the development of the Political Reform Education Program (PREP), authorized by the Commission in late 2021. The PREP program allows persons with little to no experience with the Act to resolve minor violations through completion of an online educational course in lieu of paying a monetary penalty. Through this program, the Commission seeks to both improve compliance with the Act and free up limited Enforcement Division resources to focus on the most serious violations of the Act. The first program for violations regarding Statements of Economic Interest had over 50 participants successfully complete the program. The Commission anticipates additional programs launching in 2023.
The Commission successfully worked with the Legislature in 2022 to amend the Act to require that candidates and committees receive affirmative consent from contributors before signing them up for automatic, recurring contributions. The Commission identified the need for this change in the law in late 2021 after reports surfaced that an increasing number of contributors – including many seniors – had unwittingly been “opted-in” to recurring monthly contributions.
Keeping up with technology, the Commission also updated its regulations to impose strict safeguards that will allow candidates and committees to accept cryptocurrency contributions under procedures that will maintain the integrity of contribution limits and contributor identification rules.
Despite 2022 being another robust election year, the FPPC Enforcement Division resolved 1075 cases, approving 161 settlements with $617,548 dollars in penalties.
“This report again highlights both the forward-thinking work done by the Commission and staff as well as the continuing work to keep up with emerging trends and issues in the fast-moving political landscape,” said FPPC Chair Richard C. Miadich. “At a time when skepticism about politics and a lack of trust are significant issues, this report should help assure the public of our diligence to make adjustments when needed, stay ahead of trends and ensure accountability to those who have violated the law.”
As the effects of the Covid pandemic continued, the Administration Division and IT Department maintained their stellar efforts to facilitate remote work capabilities, which enabled each Division to continue its work.
The FPPC continues to provide workshops digitally and has had an increase in participation through virtual trainings. The FPPC offered 63 workshops for various jurisdictions and agencies to provide training and understanding of the law, almost twice as many as the previous year. The Education unit also answered 8,580 phone calls for technical advice and its online tutorials saw 8,605 views over the course of the year.
In addition, the FPPC Legal Division answered 10,029 emails requesting advice, while researching and issuing 140 Advice Letters in 2021, 50 of which related to Section 1090 of Government Code.
And the FPPC’s newest division, Audits and Assistance, issued 19 audit reports in 2022, including for a lobbying firm, lobbyist employers, candidates and committees controlled by candidates for San Bernardino County, CalPERS, and Statewide office with $5,027,623 in total combined funds received and $4,707,107 in total combined expenditures made.
“I commend our staff for the outstanding job done to help people understand and comply with the law,” said Chair Miadich. “In 2023 we will continue to find ways to make the law simpler to understand and follow, to improve transparency, and to strengthen accountability for those subject to the law.”
A link to the full report can be found here: 2022 Annual Report
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