California legislature passes bill requiring presidential candidates to release tax returns

[blogslut]

http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/350789-california-legislature-passes-bill-requiring-presidential-candidates-to

The California State Assembly on Thursday passed a bill that would require all presidential candidates to release their tax returns prior to being placed on the state’s ballot.

The bill, called the Presidential Tax Transparency and Accountability Act, passed the state assembly on a 42-18 vote and will now head to the state Senate for a concurrence vote before being sent to the Governor for his signature.

“President Trump’s blatant disregard for the tradition of releasing tax returns is dangerous to our democracy,” Senator Mike McGuire (D), one of the authors of the bill, said in a statement. “For decades, every President has put their personal beliefs aside and put our country first and released their returns."

“SB 149 helps to reestablish desperately needed transparency in the White House, and we are looking forward to seeing the Governor’s signature on the bill.”

[TCJ70]

1. Since Trump has already announced his candidacy for 2020...

...let's see those returns.

[dchill]

2. Can this be retroactive?

[Thinkingabout]

3. Good deal, we had two candidates who did not release their tax returns in 2016, it should

be required.

[fierywoman]

4. I hope NY and the other left coast states follow quickly -- beautiful idea!

[question everything]

5. And if not?

what, if that recalcitrant candidate visits the state s/he will be sent to jail?

I know that elected officials often pass laws to pander to their constituents but this is stupid.

[TCJ70]

6. Then you don't show up on the ballot...

...it's not a criminal offense.

[question everything]

8. I suspect that California will have a major lawsuit on its hand, in this case (nt)

[former9thward]

7. Its unconstitutional.

States are not allowed to impose restrictions on candidates that are not in the Constitution.