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Board approves settlement to cover attorney fees from litigation over firearm-related ballot measure
Summary
The Board of Supervisors authorized payment of roughly $380,000 to cover attorney fees and costs in litigation stemming from a firearm-related ballot measure, after floor debate about ballot practices and fiscal responsibility.
The Board of Supervisors approved on first reading an ordinance (item 37) authorizing a settlement payment of approximately $380,000 to cover attorney fees and costs incurred by private citizens and various organizations, listed on the record as including the National Rifle Association, the California Association of Firearm Retailers, and the San Francisco Veteran Police Officers Association, in litigation against the City related to a ballot measure (referenced in debate as Proposition H, 2005).
Supervisor Jake Ellsburn (on the record) urged passage, arguing the city should avoid further taxpayer expense on protracted litigation and urging the board to recognize the larger cost of defending ballot measures that may have been legally vulnerable. Another supervisor (on the record as "Supervisor David" in the transcript) criticized that characterization, saying voters had sufficient information in 2005 and defended the electorate’s decision; that speaker also said they would not support paying plaintiffs such sums and intended to vote no. After floor remarks, the roll call recorded eight ayes and three noes and the ordinance passed on first reading.
Ending: The board approved the settlement-authorizing ordinance on first reading (8–3); supervisors expressed broader concerns about ballot measures and use of city funds for litigation settlements.
