State law (the Political Reform Act of 1974) requires candidates for school and special districts to disclose their interests in real property and income within the past 12 months in a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) to be filed within 30 days of assuming office and candidates appointed to an office file 10 days after assuming office. (Gov. Code §87200, et. seq.)

Candidates for city council are required to file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) with their Declaration of Candidacy.

EXCEPTION: This statement is not required of a candidate who has filed a statement for the same jurisdiction as an officeholder within sixty (60) days prior to assuming office or filing the Declaration of Candidacy. (Gov. Code §87201, 87202) Persons elected to school and special districts who must file a Statement of Economic Interests within 30 days of assuming office will be required to file a second statement for their annual statement due on April 1, 2000.

Candidates for federal offices file under federal rather than state disclosure laws. For information, candidates for U.S. Representatives should write to: Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, 1036 Longworth House Office Building, Washington D.C., 202-225-1300.

Candidates who must file may obtain forms and instructions from the Santa Cruz County Elections Department. The Form 700 must be filed with the Elections Department within 30 days of assuming office. If the statement is filed after the deadline, candidates may be penalized up to $10 per day up to a maximum of $100. Late filing penalties can be reduced or waived under certain circumstances. (Gov. Code §87201, 87500)