Rules committee pauses action on behested-payments changes after mixed testimony

The Rules Committee on Sept. 12 delayed action for one week on amendments to the Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code that would modify rules on behested‑payment solicitations under Proposition E.

Chair Peskin said the August 15 version of the amendments was in the file but Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson advised the committee it could not legally act until the 30-day Prop E review period elapsed. The chair therefore moved to continue the item for one week and to take the August 15 language up at the next hearing.

Public commenters were split. Joshua Steinberger of Tipping Point urged passage of compromised language that he said balanced philanthropic partnerships and ethics safeguards. Debbie Lerman of the San Francisco Human Services Network also supported amendments intended to narrow enforcement to clear high‑risk situations, saying proposed exceptions would allow essential fundraising to proceed. Other callers, including anti‑corruption advocates, asked for more time, additional disclosure and referral back to the Ethics Commission, warning the changes could weaken voter‑approved safeguards.

Given the split public response, the committee voted to continue the item one week to allow further review and potential technical edits before forwarding to the full board.