Text of CA AB 866 (2005)

skip to content home accessibility FAQ feedback sitemap login x Quick Search: Bill Number Bill Keyword Home Bill Information California Law Publications Other Resources My Subscriptions My Favorites Bill Information >> Bill Search >> Text Bill Text PDF2 Add To My Favorites | Version: 08/23/05 - Enrolled 02/18/05 - Introduced AB-866 Code of Fair Campaign Practices. (2005-2006) Text >> Votes >> History >> Bill Analysis >> Today's Law As Amended >> Compare Versions >> Status >> Comments To Author >> Add To My Favorites >> SHARE THIS: Bill Start Enrolled August 23, 2005 Passed IN Senate August 22, 2005 Passed IN Assembly April 25, 2005 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2005–2006 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 866 Introduced by Assembly Member Yee (Principal Coauthor(s): Senator Kehoe, Kuehl, Migden) (Coauthor(s): Assembly Member Goldberg, Laird, Leno) February 18, 2005 An act to amend Section 20440 of the Elections Code, relating to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 866, Yee. Code of Fair Campaign Practices. The Elections Code requires that, at the time an individual is issued his or her declaration of candidacy, nomination papers, or other paper evidencing an intention to be a candidate for public office, the elections official provide the individual with a form that the individual may voluntarily sign, titled the “Code of Fair Campaign Practices.” Among other things, the Code of Fair Campaign Practices sets forth specified conduct in which the individual pledges not to engage in his or her election campaign. This bill would add to the pledge contained in the Code of Fair Campaign Practices that the individual will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill Text The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 20440 of the Elections Code is amended to read: 20440. At the time an individual is issued his or her declaration of candidacy, nomination papers, or any other paper evidencing an intention to be a candidate for public office, the elections official, shall give the individual a blank form of the code and a copy of this chapter. The elections official shall inform each candidate for public office that subscription to the code is voluntary. In the case of a committee making an independent expenditure as defined in Section 82031 of the Government Code, the Secretary of State shall provide a blank form and a copy of this chapter to the individual filing, in accordance with Title 9 (commencing with Section 81000) of the Government Code, an initial campaign statement on behalf of the committee. The text of the code shall read, as follows: “CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play which every candidate for public office in the State of California has a moral obligation to observe and uphold, in order that, after vigorously contested, but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their constitutional right to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues. THEREFORE: (1) I SHALL CONDUCT my campaign openly and publicly, discussing the issues as I see them, presenting my record and policies with sincerity and frankness, and criticizing without fear or favor the record and policies of my opponents or political parties which merit such criticism. (2) I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or his or her personal or family life. (3) I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT any appeal to negative prejudice based on race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical health status, or age. (4) I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our American system of free elections, or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters including acts intended to hinder or prevent any eligible person from registering to vote, enrolling to vote, or voting. (5) I SHALL NOT coerce election help or campaign contributions for myself or for any other candidate from my employees. (6) I SHALL IMMEDIATELY AND PUBLICLY REPUDIATE support deriving from any individual or group that resorts, on behalf of my candidacy or in opposition to that of my opponent, to the methods and tactics that I condemn. I shall accept responsibility to take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the laws governing elections. (7) I SHALL DEFEND AND UPHOLD the right of every qualified American voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process. I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of California or treasurer or chairperson of a committee making any independent expenditures, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct my campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices.” DateSignature