In The News: Governor Newsom Signs Into Law New Statute Preventing Political Candidates From Defending Themselves From Felony Public Or Election Fraud Charges, Having To Return The Money If They Are Convicted

Statute Was Enacted Per AB 2803, Directed At Campaign Funds Used To Pay Defense Attorney’s Fees.

               Last Wednesday, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 2803, which amended Government Code sections 89513 and 89514 to require a political candidate, if convicted, to reimburse campaign funds used to pay attorney’s fees for certain felony public and election fraud convictions (such as embezzlement of public money, theft of public money, and perjury).  This was enacted in the wake of the highly publicized use of $300,000 in campaign funds by former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to hire his defense counsel.