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Ethics Commission backs SB 11‑07, launches review of RepresentUs ballot proposal
Summary
The San Francisco Ethics Commission voted to support SB 11‑07 and launched a staff review of a RepresentUs ballot proposal that would tighten limits on lobbyist bundling and related lobbying practices. Commissioners directed staff to hold interested‑persons meetings and consider a broader policy summit to shape a multi‑year agenda.
The San Francisco Ethics Commission voted April 25 to support California Common Cause’s request that the city back SB 11‑07, a state bill to lift statutory limits so local jurisdictions can adopt local public financing measures, and asked staff to coordinate with city offices and other departments on a unified city position.
Commissioner John Keane moved the measure, saying the commission should use its expertise to push state action. “I think the commission should go on record backing SB 11‑07,” Keane said during the meeting. After public comment and discussion about city procedures for weighing in on state legislation, the motion passed by recorded voice vote.
Why it matters: SB 11‑07 would remove a legal restriction that prevents some non‑charter jurisdictions from establishing local public financing systems. Commission staff said the bill would not change San Francisco’s rules but could enable other cities to enact local systems, and that early endorsement could be helpful to bill proponents.
The body also opened a policy‑agenda process and asked staff to prepare analysis and public outreach on a RepresentUs ballot proposal included in the meeting packet. Executive Director Leanne Pelham described the proposal as a fuller package aimed at regulating bundling and certain lobbying practices, and asked commissioners whether the commission wanted staff analysis and interested‑person meetings in advance of a possible May vote to place the measure on the November ballot. “If there are specific recommendations or information you would like, we would ask that you request us to provide our analysis and recommendations,” Pelham said.
Public input and next steps: Supporters from RepresentUs and Friends of Ethics urged a public process, stakeholder meetings and a summit to refine policy language. Morgan Aiken Young of RepresentUs said bringing the issue to public attention would raise voter concern and urged the commission to move quickly. Commissioners asked staff to schedule two interested‑persons meetings, collect public input, and return with recommendations. The commission’s legal adviser noted the need to build a legislative record on any campaign‑finance regulation to address First Amendment considerations.
Outcome: The Commission went on record supporting SB 11‑07 and directed staff to prepare analysis, schedule outreach meetings and report back in time for any decision on placing a measure on the November ballot. The motion carried with affirmative votes from commissioners present.
What’s next: Staff will convene interested‑persons meetings, prepare analysis for the commission and consult city officials about the State Legislation Committee process. If the commission directs placement on the ballot, a July approval would be needed for November placement, staff said.
