San Jose has taken another step to ensure its disclosure laws continue to evolve as technology improves. The Council voted unanimously to require council members to disclose any electronic communications they receive from lobbyists during a meeting.
The vote made permanent a temporary measure that was originally approved in 2010. That year, the San Jose Mercury News revealed that council members were routinely receiving messages from registered lobbyists via text and email during meetings. Previously, contact with lobbyists outside of public meetings was required to be disclosed.
The new rule casts further sunshine on the elected official – lobbyist relationship, and should allow for greater scrutiny by the press and public. Disclosures will be made before a vote on the relevant issue.
Read the full story at the Bay Citizen.