Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires California Coastal Commission members to fully and publicly disclose in writing any ex parte communications 24 hours before a commission hearing.

Highlights:

• Requires a Coastal Commission member to fully and publicly disclose any ex parte communication by providing a full report of the communication as follows (Sec. 4):

• To the executive director if the communication occurs more than 7 days before the next commission hearing.

• To the commission if the communication occurs within 7 days of the next hearing; and

• To the commission within 24-hours in writing if the communication occurs within 7 days of the next hearing and pertains to the hearing’s discussion.

• Prohibits a commission member from conducting an ex parte communication within 24 hours before a commission hearing regarding a matter that will be discussed at the hearing (Sec. 4).

• Exempts certain individuals from the provisions of this bill including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 3):

• An elected public official or state employee acting within the scope of employment; and

• An owner or employee of a media outlet that urge legislative or administrative actions; and

• An individual representing a bona fide church or religious organization.

• Requires the commission to establish a standard form for ex parte communication disclosure which shall include, but not be limited to, any of the following information (Sec. 4):

• Date, time, and location of the communication;

• The identities of the individuals initiating and receiving the communication; and

• A complete, comprehensive description of the content of the ex parte communication.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires California Coastal Commission members to fully and publicly disclose in writing any ex parte communications 24 hours before a commission hearing.

Highlights:

• Requires a Coastal Commission member to fully and publicly disclose any ex parte communication by providing a full report of the communication as follows (Sec. 4):

• To the executive director if the communication occurs more than 7 days before the next commission hearing.

• To the commission if the communication occurs within 7 days of the next hearing; and

• To the commission within 24-hours in writing if the communication occurs within 7 days of the next hearing and pertains to the hearing’s discussion.

• Prohibits a commission member from conducting an ex parte communication within 24 hours before a commission hearing regarding a matter that will be discussed at the hearing (Sec. 4).

• Exempts certain individuals from the provisions of this bill including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 3):

• An elected public official or state employee acting within the scope of employment; and

• An owner or employee of a media outlet that urge legislative or administrative actions; and

• An individual representing a bona fide church or religious organization.

• Requires the commission to establish a standard form for ex parte communication disclosure which shall include, but not be limited to, any of the following information (Sec. 4):

• Date, time, and location of the communication;

• The identities of the individuals initiating and receiving the communication; and

• A complete, comprehensive description of the content of the ex parte communication.

Full Bill Text