Ethics Commission adopts bylaws notification rule and updates conflict-of-interest filers list

At its Sept. 26 meeting the San Francisco Ethics Commission adopted two governance items voters and public commenters had urged it to address.

First, the commission approved an amendment to its bylaws establishing a process for staff to notify the commission when attorney-client privilege is invoked in response to public records requests. Public commenters urged that those notifications include counts and context so the public can see how often privilege is asserted; a public commenter suggested reviewing the new procedure after six to 12 months to ensure transparency.

Second, the commission approved the biannual update to its conflict-of-interest code identifying positions required to file Form 700 and clarifying disclosure categories. Staff explained updated working titles and the addition of a senior fellow position; several public commenters and at least one commissioner asked about safeguards to ensure substantive supervisory review of staff work that might create filing requirements.

In the executive director’s report the commission also previewed imminent staffing changes intended to strengthen enforcement and records-retention work: Deputy Director Jessica Blum has joined the staff and a mayoral senior fellow will be placed in the office to help with website and disclosure tools. Staff said hiring for additional enforcement positions is underway and that updates to the commission’s records-retention schedule are planned.

What happens next: staff will implement the bylaws notification process and post the updated conflict-of-interest code for the Board of Supervisors' review as part of the citywide code updates; staff will also return with staffing and implementation timelines.