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Litigation We’re Watching
April 9, 2024: Shirley N. Weber, As Secretary Of State, Etc., v. The Superior Court Of Sacramento County; Vince Fong. – The California 3rd District Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Sacramento Superior Court to require the California Secretary of State to accept Vince Fong’s filing papers for Congressional District 20. In December 2023, Fong filed nomination papers for two different offices for the March 5, 2024, primary election, Congressional District 20 and the California Assembly District 32, for which he is the incumbent.
News from Election and Ethics Agencies
California Attorney General – In April, the California Attorney General issued Opinion No. 23-102 (ca.gov) regarding City Council participation in community events as it relates to the Ralph M. Brown Act. If a majority of the members of the City Council attend the Ventura Chamber of Commerce’s annual breakfast at which the mayor delivered a “State of the City” address, it would constitute a “meeting” of the City Council within the scope of the Brown Act under Government Code section 54952.2(a). Exceptions for conferences and community events would not apply if the event was not open to the public by means other than purchasing tickets from the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.
New Legislation
State Legislation – The Legislature reconvened from spring recess on April 1. May 24 is the last day for each house to pass bills introduced in that house. The following bills have been recently introduced or amended: AB 2803: prohibits expenditure of campaign funds for attorney’s fees, other legal defense costs, or any fine, penalty, judgment, or settlement relating to a conviction for a felony or an offense that involves moral turpitude, dishonesty, or fraud.