SACRAMENTO, CA - The Assembly today passed legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) and Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Glendale) that would end the practice of lobbyists lobbying their political campaign clients or other officials with whom they have a business relationship. The measures, AB 1784 and AB 1785, passed on a 68-0 and 69-0 vote, respectively.

"Today was an important vote and critical step in the process," said Wolk. "When we introduced these bills last summer most people didn't think they would see the light of day, much less pass the Assembly. This is strong evidence that bipartisanship is gaining ground in Sacramento and the grip of politics as usual is starting to loosen."

The bills, if signed into law, will prohibit a registered lobbyist or lobbying firm from lobbying Members of the Legislature or other state elected officials or their employees, if the lobbyist or lobbying firm has a reportable financial interest with the elected official or the official's campaign committee. There have been recent cases involving elected officials from both parties who have hired campaign consultants who double as lobbyists, including Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante, a Democrat, and several legislators. A campaign consultant for Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger, a Republican, announced last week the opening of a lobbying office in Sacramento promising prospective clients "special access to the highest level decision makers in Washington and Sacramento." Wolk said the practice would become more widespread if action was not taken to stop it.

California Common Cause director Jim Knox wrote in favor of the legislation calling it "a welcome improvement to state law." Knox said, "the potential for inappropriate conflict of interest is present whenever a campaign consultant lobbies, on behalf of a private client, the very officials he or she helps to elect, and perhaps re-elect."

Democrats and Republicans spoke in favor of the bill, calling for an end to the inappropriate influence of lobbyists with close financial ties to those they lobby. Both bills will now go to the State Senate to be heard in the Senate Elections and Reapportionment Committee.