The San Francisco Ethics Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss proposed amendments to regulations concerning city employee conduct and the upcoming ballot measure related to these changes. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the administrative burden on city departments and the implications of new gift regulations.

The session began with a representative from the Department of Public Health (DPH) expressing concerns about the proposed deadline for annual notices, which could exacerbate existing staffing challenges within city departments. The representative urged the Ethics Commission to consult with all city departments to assess the potential impact on their workloads.

A key point of discussion was the proposed changes to long-standing rules regarding gifts. The representative emphasized the need for broader input from affected parties, including city departments, elected officials, and labor unions, to avoid confusion and ensure clarity in the new regulations.

Public comments were invited, with Debbie Lerman from the San Francisco Human Services Network raising concerns about the rushed timeline for reviewing the lengthy ballot measure and its implications for nonprofit organizations. She highlighted specific provisions that could adversely affect lower-paid city employees and the ability of nonprofits to attract qualified board members.

In response, Ethics Commission staff clarified that the proposed amendments were largely procedural and aimed at updating existing regulations rather than introducing new substantive changes. They noted that many of the exceptions in the draft regulations were based on feedback from stakeholders, including Lerman.

The discussion also touched on the dual employment issue for city employees, particularly those who are Form 700 filers. Concerns were raised about the potential overreach of the proposed regulations, which could inadvertently restrict part-time employees from holding additional jobs that do not present conflicts of interest.

Commissioners expressed a desire for clarity on the impact of the proposed regulations, particularly regarding who would be affected. Staff indicated that approximately 11% of DPH employees are Form 700 filers, suggesting that the majority of employees would not be impacted by the dual employment restrictions.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency of finalizing the ballot measure was emphasized, with a deadline for submission to the Department of Elections set for December 1. The commission acknowledged the need for ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to address any remaining concerns before the measure is put to a vote.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the complexities of balancing ethical regulations with the operational realities faced by city departments and employees. The Ethics Commission plans to continue refining the proposed regulations while ensuring that public input is considered in the final decision-making process.