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FPPC adopts amendments to require electronic filing of statements of economic interest and expanded online posting of high‑level filers
Summary
The Fair Political Practices Commission adopted regulatory changes to implement AB 1170, making electronic filing of Form 700 mandatory for statements filed with the FPPC and directing online posting of SEIs for high‑level (section 87200) filers. The adoption passed on a roll call vote.
The Fair Political Practices Commission voted April 10 to adopt a package of regulatory amendments to implement Assembly Bill 1170 and related statutory changes that took effect Jan. 1, 2025.
The regulatory package updates filing locations and online posting rules in multiple regulations and requires that statements of economic interest (Form 700) filed with the Commission be submitted through the Commission’s electronic filing system. The package also narrows the Commission’s online-posting practice to include section 87200 filers — the highest‑level public officials whose disclosure is statutorily required — in addition to elected officials, per staff recommendation.
“Statements of economic interest, also referred to as Form 700s or SEIs, must be filed by public officials who make or participate in making governmental decisions that may affect financial interests,” Assistant General Counsel Brian Lau told the commission. Lau explained the package revises or repeals regulations made redundant by AB 1170 (for example, rules about forwarding filings to the Commission) and adds a conforming redaction requirement for email addresses.
Lau described three options discussed at pre‑notice; staff recommended limiting the online posting expansion to section 87200 filers. He said the change will apply to filings on or after Jan. 1, 2025, and that staff interprets existing rules to require Commission approval before removing any previously posted historical documents.
A member of the public, David Carnahan, Sunnyvale city clerk, offered supportive comment on the decision to post section 87200 filings online. “I just wanted to … share my appreciation for the commission and your staff for the amendments to 18 313.5, requiring now that all 87200 filings will be posted online,” Carnahan said.
After a brief public comment period, a motion to adopt the regulatory package carried on a roll call. The roll call recorded Commissioner Ortiz voting yes, Commissioner Wilson voting aye, and Chair Silver voting aye; the motion passed.
Ending: The regulation changes implement statutory requirements from AB 1170 and are intended to reduce manual forwarding of paper filings, increase public transparency for high‑level officials and clarify filing instructions for agencies and filers. The commission declined to remove historical online postings without separate Commission approval.
