(AP) — A California state lawmaker hopes to end private communications between members of the California Coastal Commission and people interested in swaying its decisions.
The legislation by Democratic Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson of Santa Barbara follows a contentious decision last month to fire the commission's executive director without explanation. Supporters of Charles Lester claimed developers and lobbyists influenced his ousting. Some commissioners have indicated it stemmed from his job performance.
Jackson proposes restricting all communications between the 12 commissioners and people with an interest in their decisions to public meetings. Current law allows so-called ex-parte communications but they must be disclosed.
Jackson said Tuesday that she will propose the legislation as an amendment to SB1190.
Another bill introduced last month would require lobbyists to report their activity at the Coastal Commission.
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