DENHAM ELECTRONIC FILING MEASURE PASSES SENATE
California Political Desk
April 28, 2008
STATE CAPITOL – Senate Bill 1204, authored by Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced), passed the Senate today by a 38 to 0 vote. This measure would allow state and local agencies to offer the option of electronic filing of the "Statements of Economic Interest" (SEI – Form 700) of elected and appointed officials and candidates for public office.
"Now is the time to move the filing of SEI´s into the 21st century," said Senator Denham. "Electronic filing will save tax dollars and provide better and quicker access for the public and press to inspect these documents."
SEI´s are required to be filed annually by all elected officials, all candidates for public office as well as most appointed officials in California. Information such as gifts received, income received and investments is listed on these forms and is available for public inspection
"Currently, SEI´s are required to be filed in a hard copy by mailing or hand-delivering them," said Senator Denham. "This is a ´good government´ measure to increase public access while cutting costs."
SB 1204 would simply allow the state Fair Political Practices Commission and local government filing agencies to offer electronic filing. However, even if these agencies change to electronic filing of SEI´s, they still must provide a hard copy of the form to the public upon request. This is not unprecedented as agencies such as the Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board already allow for electronic filing.
Denham´s SB 1204 is sponsored by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The measure now moves to the Assembly Rules Committee for its next committee assignment.
"Now is the time to move the filing of SEI´s into the 21st century," said Senator Denham. "Electronic filing will save tax dollars and provide better and quicker access for the public and press to inspect these documents."
SEI´s are required to be filed annually by all elected officials, all candidates for public office as well as most appointed officials in California. Information such as gifts received, income received and investments is listed on these forms and is available for public inspection
"Currently, SEI´s are required to be filed in a hard copy by mailing or hand-delivering them," said Senator Denham. "This is a ´good government´ measure to increase public access while cutting costs."
SB 1204 would simply allow the state Fair Political Practices Commission and local government filing agencies to offer electronic filing. However, even if these agencies change to electronic filing of SEI´s, they still must provide a hard copy of the form to the public upon request. This is not unprecedented as agencies such as the Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board already allow for electronic filing.
Denham´s SB 1204 is sponsored by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The measure now moves to the Assembly Rules Committee for its next committee assignment.