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San Francisco Ethics Commission previews broad revisions to campaign finance regulations; public urges tighter limits on Super PAC influence
Summary
Staff presented conceptual amendments to CFRA regulations to align rules with recent code changes and ACAO provisions; public commenters pressed the Commission to curb Super PAC influence and consider contribution/matching limits. Staff will return with drafted regulation language after feedback.
Staff presented a conceptual package of amendments to San Francisco’s campaign and fair political practices regulations and told commissioners the changes are intended to reconcile regulatory language with recent code updates and new ACAO provisions. "This is our recommendation in concept form — at this point it's informational and for discussion," said Pat Ford, Senior Policy Analyst, introducing the proposal and saying staff will draft regulatory language after collecting feedback.
The proposal aims to correct places where regulations no longer match the municipal code, clarify new disclosure requirements (including bundling disclosures), and simplify provisions that stakeholders have found confusing. Ford said staff plans to prepare a candidate guide section on new disclosure rules and to work toward electronic filings, though the universal e-filing effort likely requires more time and could roll out in 2020.
Public commenters used the item to press for stricter limits on outside spending and matching funds. Ellen Li Zhao, a San Francisco public social worker and union delegate, said the city’s system is vulnerable to Super PAC influence and urged the Commission to review matching-fund payouts and contribution limits. "Our voting system is corrupt—... You cannot use the public dollars to support candidates who turn around and pass the law on purpose and abuse government power," Zhao said. Thomas Bussey urged greater transparency for 501(c)(4) entities and suggested using local tax filings to require public disclosure of expenditures.
Commissioners asked staff to clarify how the Commission will keep regulations aligned with future code changes. Commissioner Compton requested that staff explain when a summary refers to the Fair Political Practices Commission versus a city position. Ford agreed to incorporate clearer labeling in future materials and to draft a mechanism by which staff can track and propose timely regulatory updates.
No formal action was taken. Staff will return at a subsequent meeting with drafted regulatory language for possible adoption after public comment and further Commission review.
