California Fair Political Practices Commission Frequently Asked Questions: Campaign Activity
56. Q. May a law enforcement officer, who is running for city council, wear their uniform at campaign events or when appearing in political advertisements for their campaign? A. The Political Reform Act does not contain restrictions related to a candidate wearing a law enforcement uniform; however, other laws may apply. The candidate should contact the District Attorney or City Attorney. 57. Q. What are the special reporting requirements for expenditures made by a candidate controlled committee when purchasing gifts, travel, and meals? A. Itemized expenditures made by a candidate controlled committee for gifts, meals, or travel, must be further explained in the “Description of Payment” column, whether or not an expenditure code is used, as described below. Gifts: Briefly describe the political, legislative, or governmental purpose of the expenditure, and provide the date of the gift and a description of the gift. If the gift was made to an individual recipient, the name of the recipient must be included. If a gift was made to a group of recipients, the name of each recipient who received a benefit of $50 or more is required. When the recipient of a gift with a value of $50 or more is not known at the time the payment is required to be reported, the committee must report that the gift was for an “undetermined recipient.” Once the gift has been given to the recipient, the campaign statement must be amended within 45 calendar days to disclose the name of the recipient. Meals: Briefly describe the political, legislative, or governmental purpose of the expenditure, and provide the date of the meal, the number of individuals who were present at the meal, and whether the candidate, a member of their household, or an individual with authority to approve expenditures of campaign funds was present at the meal. It is not necessary to include the names of individual attendees on the report. However, the names of the attendees must be maintained in the committee’s records. For meals reported as an itemized expenditure for travel, the reporting rules below apply. Travel Payments (including lodging and meals): Briefly describe the political, legislative, or governmental purpose of the expenditure, and provide the date or dates of the travel, the destination, and the goods or services purchased. The description must also include the number of individuals for whom the payment was made and whether the trip included the candidate, a member of their household, or an individual with the authority to approve expenditures of campaign funds. The names of individuals who traveled are not required to be disclosed on the report. However, the names of the travelers must be maintained in the committee’s records.
www.fppc.ca.gov FPPC Advice: advice@fppc.ca.gov (866.275.3772) FPPC EAEU • 016 11-2022 • Page 11 of 11
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