Assemblywoman Patty Lopez Introduces New Law to Ban Junkets

Assembly Bill 2840 will stop shadowy nonprofit groups from paying for legislative junkets

SACRAMENTO, CA ‒ Assemblywoman Patty López (D-San Fernando) is introducing a new law that will prohibit nonprofits from providing luxury excursions to state legislators, also known as “junkets.” The bill comes at a time when the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has begun to place additional regulations on lobbyists and the public is calling for increased transparency.

“Having been in the legislature for a year, I have heard and witnessed the different ways that special interest groups try to influence state legislators,” López said. “I do not agree with the current loophole that allows nonprofits to pay for travel to places like Maui so legislators can ‘relax’ with lobbyists. I have introduced AB 2840 in order to put an end to these trips.”

Last year, Governor Brown signed SB 21 (Hill), which requires the disclosure of junket details such as who funded the trip, where the trip took place and the total amount of travel expenses. However, it does not actually prevent legislators from continuing to take these luxury excursions with lobbyists and special interest groups.

“My neighbors are shocked when they hear about these trips and they say the same thing to me every time: ‘If our elected officials want to learn about the issues, they should come and visit the District and listen to what we have to say. They’re not going to learn anything by golfing with lobbyists in Maui,'” López added.

AB 2840 will forbid nonprofits from covering travel, lodging and associated expenses for state legislators. It would effectively close a loophole that has been utilized to influence lawmakers based on the claim that such trips are educational in nature.