California ethics panel targets vague lobbying payments

California’s ethics watchdog is pushing a major regulatory change that for the first time would require interest groups to disclose how they spend millions of dollars on ad campaigns and other efforts to influence state policy.

Under current California law, anyone who spends at least $5,000 to sway legislation or administrative rulemaking must must file quarterly reports. But much of the spending falls into a nebulous category called “other payments to influence,” a designation that can include the cost of mounting advertising campaigns, paying office overhead and retaining political consultants.

In the third quarter of 2015, for instance, as the oil industry poured millions into a concerted assault on legislation that would have required California to halve its petroleum use. Of the $6.7 million the Western States Petroleum Association reported spending, $6.1 million, or around 91 percent, was listed under “other payments to influence.”

“Lump sum reporting of this catchall category does not provide the public the ability to know how and where that money is spent,” notes a California Fair Political Practices Commission document proposing a rule change.

Seeking more clarity, the FPPC is pushing an amendment that would have lobbyist employers break down expenditures that exceed $2,500 into an array of categories that include paying employees other than lobbyists, advertising, and public affairs work. They also would have to disclose the recipients of the payments, giving the the public a detailed look at how much political companies in Sacramento’s vast influence industry are making.

The FPPC plans to solicit input at a Dec. 3 meeting before voting on the proposal in January. If the rule is adopted then, it would take effect in July of 2016 and compel greater disclosure for the crucial third quarter, which encompasses the final stretch of the legislative session – a time when lobbying spending tends to spike as bills face decisive votes.

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 11:19 AM with the headline "California ethics panel targets vague lobbying payments."