Crazy in Cali: Gov. Signs A Bill Requiring Presidential Candidates To Submit Tax Returns

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Tuesday requiring all presidential candidates to submit fix years of tax returns to qualify for the primary ballot in California, as President Donald Trump fights against releasing this information.

The bill, SB-27, has already passed in the California Assembly and Senate. It would require candidates running for U.S. president and California governor to release the past five years of tax returns, which the state would publish for public viewing, according to a press release from Newsom.

“This is unquestionably a bill directed toward and inspired by President Donald Trump’s refusal to release copies of his tax returns,” journalist Yashar Ali, who previously worked on Newsom’s gubernatorial campaign, wrote Tuesday. “When Newsom signs the bill today, California will become the first state to require such a disclosure by law.”

All major Democratic candidates have released tax returns, Ali noted. Trump has been vehemently against releasing this information. He filed a lawsuit July 23 to stop the House Ways and Means Committee from accessing his tax returns. Trump has accused the committee of “presidential harassment.”

The new law requires that Trump to release five years of tax returns in order to be on the ballot in California when he runs for President in 2020. If he doesn’t comply, he will not be allowed on the ballot.

“These are extraordinary times and states have a legal and moral duty to do everything in their power to ensure leaders seeking the highest offices meet minimal standards, and to restore public confidence,” Newsom said according to the press release. “The disclosure required by this bill will shed light on conflicts of interest, self-dealing, or influence from domestic and foreign business interest.”