Ethics Commission authorizes chair to file March 2024 ballot argument on gifts, training and nonprofit rules

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Ethics Commission on Nov. 9 voted to authorize the commission chair to submit a ballot argument and a potential rebuttal to the Department of Elections for a March 2024 measure addressing gifts, training and other city ethics laws.

Michael Kenning, acting policy and legislative affairs manager for the commission, told commissioners staff had collected feedback and revised the draft argument and attachment; he said the City Attorney’s Office reviewed the materials and concluded they did not raise political‑activity concerns. "Staff recommends the commission vote to formally authorize the chair to submit a ballot argument and potentially rebuttal argument, to the Department of Elections on behalf of the commission," Kenning said.

An unnamed commissioner who seconded the motion said the current draft "doesn't have quite the meat and specificity" they would have preferred but would not hold up the item, describing the process as collaborative. The motion — to authorize the chair to submit both the argument and rebuttal on behalf of the commission — was moved, seconded and then opened for public comment.

During public comment, Debbie Lerman of the Human Services Network urged the commission to adopt narrower language in regulations dealing with "incompatible activities" for nonprofits. Lerman said a complete ban could harm lower‑level employees and volunteers who serve on nonprofit boards and that regulations should treat uncompensated board service as volunteerism with recusal on relevant votes as a safeguard. "We urge the commission to support a narrower provision from the board that protects lower wage workers and allows specialists to share their skills and expertise in the service of vulnerable City residents," Lerman said.

After discussion the commission took a roll‑call vote; Commissioners recorded three affirmative votes (recorded in the minutes as Commissioner Finlev, Commissioner Flores Vang and Chair Lee) and the motion was approved unanimously.

The authorization allows the chair to submit the commission's official ballot argument and, if needed, a rebuttal; commissioners and staff indicated they expect to continue refining language before final submission to the Department of Elections.