Lawmakers pass ethics reform following scandals

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers marked the end of the legislative session early Saturday by approving two political reform bills aimed at addressing a string of scandals, including the arrest of two state senators on federal corruption charges.

Political transparency, gift-giving, and cozy relationships between lawmakers and special interests came under scrutiny this year. Prominent lobbying firm Sloat Higgins Jensen & Associates was fined $133,500 in February for hosting illegal fundraisers for the state’s top elected officials, including Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders of both parties.