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dreamsofanancientmind · 1 year ago

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dreamsofanancientmind · 2 years ago

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Transparent Governance and Ethical Conduct Act

## Preamble:

**Whereas, it is essential to establish a framework that ensures transparency, integrity, and equitable participation in the democratic process;**

**Now, therefore, be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of California, this 3rd day of December, 2023, that the following provisions shall comprise the Transparent Governance and Ethical Conduct Act:**

## Section 1: Transparency Requirements

1.1 **Public Disclosure of Contributions and Expenditures:**

- Public officials shall disclose campaign contributions, lobbying expenditures, and Super PAC contributions within 30 days, detailing each transaction.

1.2 **Centralized Platform:**

- The Department of State Election Commission shall establish an online platform for transparent disclosure, ensuring accessibility and advanced search functionalities.

## Section 2: Restrictions on Contributions

2.1 **Limitations on Contributions:**

- Imposition of contribution limits for individuals, organizations, and entities to political campaigns, parties, PACs, and Super PACs.

2.2 **Public Financing Mechanisms:**

- Exploration and establishment of public financing models, including matching funds or grants, with clear eligibility criteria.

## Section 3: Cooling-Off Periods

3.1 **Duration of Waiting Periods:**

- Stipulation of waiting periods for former public officials engaging in lobbying and Super PAC activities.

3.2 **Definition of Lobbying and Super PAC Activities:**

- Precise definition of terms related to lobbying, extending waiting periods to cover engagements with Super PACs.

## Section 4: Stricter Lobbying and Super PAC Regulations

4.1 **Ethical Standards for Lobbying:**

- Mandatory adherence to stringent ethical standards for lobbyists, requiring registration and periodic reporting.

4.2 **Prohibited Lobbying and Super PAC Practices:**

- Explicit enumeration of prohibited practices, accompanied by regulations preventing coordination between candidates and Super PACs.

## Section 5: Independent Oversight

5.1 **Establishment of TEOC:**

- Creation of the Transparency and Ethics Oversight Commission (TEOC) as an independent regulatory body, with oversight of Super PAC activities and investigative powers.

5.2 **Investigative Powers:**

- Granting TEOC broad investigative powers, enabling it to initiate investigations and issue findings.

## Section 6: Consequences for Violations

6.1 **Penalties:**

- Articulation of penalties for violations, including fines, suspension, and disqualification, consistent with due process.

## Section 7: Public Awareness and Education

7.1 **Educational Programs:**

- Implementation of programs in collaboration with educational institutions and media outlets to inform the public about campaign finance, lobbying, and Super PAC issues.

7.2 **Promotion of Civic Engagement:**

- Organization of initiatives, such as town hall meetings and online forums, to encourage civic engagement and foster an informed electorate.

## Section 8: Transparent Banking System

8.1 **Mandatory Use of Designated Accounts:**

- Constituents, public officials, and Super PACs shall conduct all financial transactions through accounts approved by the [Appropriate Regulatory Authority].

8.2 **Integration with Transparency Platform:**

- Seamless integration of the designated banking system with the centralized platform for real-time reporting.

8.3 **Random Audits for Constituents and Super PACs:**

- Independent auditing bodies shall conduct random audits of constituents, Super PACs, and public officials periodically.

8.4 **Mandatory Annual Audits for Public Officials and Super PACs:**

- Public officials and Super PACs shall undergo mandatory annual audits conducted by reputable independent auditing firms.

8.5 **Penalties for Non-Compliance:**

- Penalties for non-compliance with the mandatory use of designated accounts, including fines and temporary suspension of financial privileges.

## Section 9: Prohibition on Corporate Direct Contributions

9.1 **Corporate Contributions:**

- Corporations are prohibited from making direct financial contributions to political campaigns, candidates, or private individuals engaged in electoral activities.

9.2 **Prohibition on Private Agreements:**

- Any covert agreements or arrangements attempting to circumvent the prohibition on direct contributions are explicitly prohibited.

9.3 **Public Scrutiny:**

- Violation of this prohibition shall invoke penalties, ensuring stringent enforcement.

9.4 **Monitoring and Enforcement:**

- Regulatory authorities shall be empowered to conduct investigations into suspected violations.

9.5 **Reporting Obligations:**

- Corporations shall report any financial transactions that may be construed as attempts to contribute to political campaigns.

9.6 **Whistleblower Protections:**

- Whistleblower provisions shall protect individuals reporting potential violations.

9.7 **Corporate Accountability Measures:**

- Graduated penalties for violations, including fines and potential restrictions on corporate privileges.

## Section 10: Regulation of Super PACs

10.1 **Super PAC Reporting Requirements:**

- Super PACs shall submit detailed quarterly reports to the [Appropriate Regulatory Authority].

10.2 **Prohibition on Foreign Contributions to Super PACs:**

- Explicitly prohibit foreign entities or individuals from making contributions to Super PACs.

10.3 **Disclosure of Top Donors:**

- Super PACs shall disclose their top donors prominently in all public communications and advertisements.

## Section 11: Anti-Corruption Measures

11.1 **Prohibition on Corrupt Practices:**

- Explicitly prohibit corrupt practices, including bribery and extortion.

11.2 **Protection of Public Officials:**

- Establish measures to protect public officials from undue influence, harassment, or coercion.

## Section 12: Public Funding Allocation Criteria

12.1 **Criteria for Public Funding Allocation:**

- Define transparent criteria for the allocation of public funding to candidates.

12.2 **Public Input in Funding Allocation:**

- Establish mechanisms for public input in the allocation of public funds.

## Section 13: Future-Proofing

13.1 **Adaptability Clause:**

- Include an adaptability clause that allows for updates and amendments to the legislation.

13.2 **Emerging Technologies and Social Media:**

- Anticipate and address the impact of emerging technologies and social media on campaign finance.

## Section 14: Prohibition on Revolving Door Practices

14.1 **Definition of Revolving Door Practices:**

- Clearly define "Revolving Door Practices" as the movement of individuals between public office and lobbying or influential positions.

14.2 **Duration of Waiting Period:**

- Establish a waiting period before former public officials can engage in lobbying or influential positions.

14.3 **Reporting and Enforcement:**

- Mandate the reporting of post-public service employment by former public officials to the [Appropriate Regulatory Authority].

14.4 **Public Disclosure of Post-Public Service Employment:**

- Ensure public disclosure of the post-public service employment of former public officials.

NOTE: This isn't final, feel free to correct and add to this, I'm sure we the people can do better than those who've failed to represent us

#governmentact #ethics #ethical conduct #questions #law #self-governing #Tumblr

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dreamsofanancientmind · 3 years ago

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Punta Mona, Costa Rica.

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dreamsofanancientmind · 7 years ago

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Racist white lady calls in and tells Native Hawaiian to stop blaming the white man for taking their land, especially since the Japanese are doing it too.

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dreamsofanancientmind · 7 years ago

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