The California Legislature has moved one step closer to requiring presidential candidates to release their tax returns to appear on the California ballot.
After clearing the Assembly on Thursday, the measure needs final approval from the Senate before going to Gov. Jerry Brown. If he signs it, California would be the only state to pass such a measure after a flurry of bills introduced in nearly 30 states earlier this year failed to gain traction. President Donald Trump's refusal to release his tax returns during the 2016 campaign prompted the efforts.
Tax returns show income sources, charitable donations and other financial information. Major presidential candidates typically release them.
California's bill would make candidates share five years of returns to get on the ballot. The returns would be made public online.
In New Jersey, Republican Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a similar bill.
