California Lawmakers Report $1.2M Travel, $330K Gifts

California state lawmakers accepted at least $1.2 million in sponsored travel and $330,000 in gifts last year, according to annual financial disclosures filed earlier this month. The perks, funded by nearly 120 organizations including nonprofits, corporations and interest groups, included international study tours, luxury resort stays and events at high-end venues across the state and abroad.

The disclosures reveal a pattern of travel justified as educational, with most expenses covered by nonprofits that often shield their donors from public view. State law permits unlimited sponsored travel for policy-related purposes but caps individual gifts at $630 per source, with excess amounts required to be refunded or donated. Details in the filings are frequently vague, and several lawmakers amended reports after inquiries, including instances of over-limit gifts or undisclosed trips.

Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, a Democrat from Downey, reported the highest travel total at more than $45,000, including $16,800 for a 12-day tour of Spain focused on renewable energy and infrastructure, $5,700 for a policy conference in Maui and $4,300 for a golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links....