Assembly Will Vote on Bill to Name Political Donors

Public interest groups are urging citizens to back a bill up for a vote Tuesday in the California Assembly that would require the disclosure of large donors to political ads seen by voters across the state.

Under AB 1148, also known as the California Disclose Act, the three largest donors to political advertising on TV and radio as well as those in mailers and Web sites would need to be named.

"This would be a huge win for democracy in California, allowing citizens to give proper weight to the different messages they hear and make informed decisions at the ballot box," said MapLight, a nonprofit that tracks the influence of money in politics, in an email message to supporters.

The California Chamber of Commerce has announced its opposition, dimming its prospects, the San Jose Mercury-News stated.

However, the measure has been scheduled for a full vote in the assembly. 

Mar Vista voters who want to share their thoughts on the proposal with their elected officials can contact State Assembly Member Betsy Butler via email or at (310) 615-3515 or State Senator Ted Lieu via email or at (310) 318-6994.