Assemblywoman Suzette Martinez-Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, penned a bill which was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom this past Tuesday.

On Tuesday Sept 28, Valladares’ bill protecting election integrity was signed into law. This bill features new legislation prohibiting local and state office candidates from accepting campaign donations from foreign entities. 

“The act prohibits a foreign government or principal, as defined, from making a contribution or expenditure in connection with a ballot measure. The act also prohibits a person or committee from soliciting or accepting a contribution from a foreign government or principal for this purpose,” states the abstract of the bill. 

The penalties for candidates who break this law include a misdemeanor charge as well as other specified penalties. This is meant to act as a deterrent for candidates, encouraging them to focus their efforts locally. Campaign transparency has long been a priority of this country, this new bill only adding a new requirement for candidates to disclose. 

This bill is expected to work in congruence with the Political Reform Act of 1974, which provides for the comprehensive regulation of campaign financing, including requiring the reporting of campaign contributions. 

Valladares penned this bill in an effort to protect California elections, supporting democracy and the integrity of California elections. This bill comes amidst much state and national concern over the integrity of elections, both from domestic and international influence. 

“This legislation supported by my Democrat and Republican colleagues, helps ensure that California voters will be free from foreign interference in our state and local elections,” stated Valladares. 

Valladares reports that this bill passed through both houses of legislation with “overwhelming bipartisan support” and is scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, 2022. In this time of division and disharmony, it seems as if this bill was welcomed by both parties in a unique show of unity. 

Valladares originally presented this bill in January of 2021, and from there it moved swiftly through to the State Senate in May. It was officially read and passed by the California State Legislature and the governor this month. 

To read the full bill, click here. 

To visit Suzette Martinez-Valladares’ website and learn more about her platform, click here. 

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