DISCLOSURE LAWS

State laws require members of the public to make certain public disclosures of money they have contributed to the campaign of a candidate for public office who is now sitting on LAFCO (see #1 below for explanation). Also, State laws and Santa Cruz LAFCO rules require members of the public to make a public disclosure of certain contributions and expenditures they receive or make in advocating for or against a proposal being reviewed by LAFCO (see #2 below for explanation).

1. Campaign Contributions
   State law (the Political Reform Act of 1974) requires that a LAFCO Commissioner disqualify herself or himself from voting on an application involving an entitlement for use (such as an annexation or sphere amendment) if, within the last twelve months, the Commissioner has received $250 or more in campaign contributions from an applicant, any financially interested person who actively supports or opposes an application, or an agent (such as an attorney, engineer, or planning consultant) representing an applicant or interested participant. The law also requires any applicant or other participant in a LAFCO proceeding to disclose the amount and name of the recipient Commissioner on the official record of the proceeding. The Commission prefers that the disclosure be made on a standard form that is filed with the Commission's Secretary-Clerk at least 24 hours before the LAFCO hearing begins. If this is not possible, a written or oral disclosure can be made at the beginning of the hearing. The law also prohibits an applicant or other participant from making a contribution of $250 or more to a LAFCO Commissioner while a proceeding is pending or for 3 months afterward. Disclosure forms and further information can be obtained at the LAFCO office at Room 318-D, 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone (831) 454-2055. FAX (831) 454-2058.
   
   
2. Expenses Supporting and Opposing Proposals
   If a person or group contributes or expends $1,000 or more in support of, or opposition to, a proposal before LAFCO, those contributions and expenditures must be disclosed through the County Clerk. Elections Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 210, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (831) 454-2060. For additional information, see Contributions and Expenditures Disclosure Rules (PDF file).