Opinion ID: 1126466
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: There is a lesser requirement for itemization of contributions in the case of candidate elections.

Text: In the case of ballot measures, there are no itemization requirements where the total contributions are not more than $1,000 (Elec. Code, §§ 11801, subd. (a), 11830), and in the event the total exceeds $1,000 only those contributions of $25 or more need be itemized. In the case of candidates, contributions in excess of $500 are required to be itemized (Gov. Code, § 3750) and it is expressly provided that all contributions whatever the amount be set out in detail on an itemized statement for each of 15 different categories. (Elec. Code, §§ 11503, 11504.) On the face of the statutory provisions, the foregoing itemization requirements appear to be less onerous in the case of ballot measures than in the case of candidate elections, contrary to defendants' contention. However, the in detail itemization provision of the statute relating to candidate elections has been held not to require the same degree of itemization as in the case of ballot measure elections. In Warden v. Brown (1960) 185 Cal. App.2d 626 [8 Cal. Rptr. 518], it was held that a construction of the candidate election statute precluded reading into the law by implication any specific requirement which would compel a candidate to provide a statement of the amount furnished by each contributor. (See also 32 Ops. Cal.Atty.Gen. (1958) 88, 91-92.) Petitioner has urged that we disapprove the holding in Warden. No reason appears why we should take exception to either the holding in that case or the construction of the pertinent disclosure requirements in the case of candidate elections as announced in the cited opinion of the Attorney General. The desirability of a fuller disclosure in the case of candidate elections as urged by petitioner and not opposed in principle by defendants, is clearly a legislative matter. It thus appears that there are different itemization requirements relating to contributions, although it is doubtful that the total burden imposed on those who must make the itemization disclosures is significantly more onerous in the one case than in the other.