Legislative Update
by Branché Jones
Legislature Prepares to Reconvene
In January the legislature will reconvene for the 2019 - 2020 session. Last month’s elections saw a major shift in the political makeup of both the State Assembly and the State Senate. This means Governor-elect Gavin Newsom will start out his term with a supermajority in both legislative houses. The Assembly has 60 Democrats and 20 Republicans, while the Senate has 29 Democrats and 11 Republicans. Both parties in the Senate, will lose a seat as two members have been elected to higher office and will be resigning shortly. What does all this mean for California? It means the new Governor will basically be able to pass any legislative initiatives that he wants to. It also means that Democrats may be able to pass tax measures, that require a two-thirds vote, without Republican support. With a laundry list of items on his agenda, including but not limited to health care, housing, climate change, transportation and early education the new Governor will have a lot to focus on.
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Updated 2019-2020 State Contribution and Gift Limits
Below are the California campaign contribution limits for 2019-2020 for contributions made by an entity, individual or a PAC (other than a small contributor
committee)
Governor $31,000 per election
Statewide Candidates (other than Governor)
and Board of Equalization $7,800 per election
State Senate and Assembly Candidates $4,700 per election
Political Party (for contributions to state candidates) $38,800 per calendar year
PAC (for contributions to state candidates) $7,800 per calendar year
The new
gift limit applicable to California state and local officials and designated employees is $500 per calendar year. Note that local jurisdictions may have adopted more restrictive gift limits.
