Chapter Four –Legal Matters (Cont.)
4.3.2 Ethics Training - AB1234 Assembly Bill 1234 (Government Code Section 53235), which became effective in 2005, requires the City to provide ethics training for all members of a legislative body that receive compensation, salary or stipend, or reimbursement of expenses related to his/her official duties. The term “legislative body” includes not only the City Council, but also certain commissions, committees or boards. The following legislative bodies are required to receive training: • City Council • Community & Library Services Commission • Finance Commission • Great Park Board • Irvine Advisory Commission for Older Adults (formerly Senior Citizens Council) • Planning Commission Applicable officials must receive two (2) hours of ethics training within one year of the first day of service, and subsequently at least once every two years. For those who are subject to this requirement, the City’s Human Resources Department will contact you to arrange the training required. 4.4 Campaign Contributions by Appointees and Commissioners • Sustainability Commission • Transportation Commission California state law (Government Code 84308) prohibits any “officer” (which includes the governing board or commission) of a public agency who is running or has run for elective office from participating in decisions affecting his or her campaign contributors. The law disqualifies the officer from participating in certain proceedings if the official has received campaign contributions of more than $500 from a party participant or their agents within the twelve (12) months preceding the decision. It also requires disclosure on the record of the proceeding of all campaign contributions received from these persons during that period. In addition, Government Code Section 84308 prohibits solicitation or receipt of campaign contributions exceeding $500 during such proceedings, or for three months after the decision, from parties, participants or their agents. For example, Sarah Smith is a candidate for the Smalltown City Council. Smith is also on the Smalltown Planning Commission. John Builder has a permit request pending before the planning commission. Under Government Code Section 84308, Smith is prohibited from soliciting or receiving any contribution of more than $500 from Builder or Builder’s agent.
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