As of January 1, 2023, the Levine Act (Government Code Section 84308) applies to Board of Supervisors proceedings involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 84308, no Board Member shall accept, solicit, or direct a contribution of more than $500 from any party or their agent, or from any participant or their agent, while a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use is pending before the County or for 12 months after a final decision is rendered in that proceeding. Any Board Member who has received a contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months from a party or their agent, or from a participant or their agent, shall disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding and shall not make, participate in making, or in any way attempt to use their official position to influence the decision.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 84308(d), any party to a covered proceeding before the Board is required, and any participant to such a proceeding is strongly urged, to disclose on the record of the proceeding any contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made within the preceding 12 months by them or their agent to any Board Member. The disclosure must include the name of the party or participant and any other person making the contribution, if any; the name of the recipient; the amount of the contribution; and the date the contribution was made. The disclosure shall occur in the manner required under Government Code Section 84308 and any applicable state or local regulations, opinions, or policies. No party or their agent, and no participant or their agent, shall make a contribution of more than $500 to any Board Member during the proceeding or for 12 months after a final decision is rendered in that proceeding.
The foregoing statements do not constitute legal advice, and parties and participants are urged to consult with their own legal counsel regarding the requirements of the law.
