Committee advances ordinance to bar city-funded travel and contracts with states that enact voter-restriction laws

The Rules Committee voted Oct. 4 to forward an ordinance to the full Board that would expand Chapter 12X of San Francisco's Administrative Code to bar city-funded travel and contracting in states that enact laws restricting voter access.

Sponsor President Walton said the change would add states that enacted significant voting restrictions following the 2020 presidential election and cited examples including Arizona's SB1485 (which alters a permanent early voting list) and Wyoming's HB75 (which institutes a voter ID requirement). Walton said, “San Francisco is taking a stand against voter restrictions and discrimination in this country,” and framed the ordinance as a city policy to avoid using city funds to travel to or contract with states that adopt measures limiting voting access.

Committee members signaled support for the principle but also discussed potential consequences for local businesses and residents in affected states. Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann said he supported the ban while urging the committee to consider ways to recognize businesses within those states that promote equity, calling for possible future off-ramps' for specific companies.

A member of the public, David Pilpow, voiced support and asked that the city post a comprehensive, public list of covered states and affected business types, noting that section 12X.24 requires that a covered-state list be posted on the City Administrator's website.

The committee voted to send the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the motion passed without objection.

Why it matters: If adopted by the full Board and implemented by city departments, the ordinance would limit use of city funds for travel or contracts in states identified as having enacted voter-restriction laws, affecting intergovernmental travel and procurement decisions.

Next steps: The ordinance will be considered by the full Board of Supervisors. Departments will need to implement a posted covered-state list and procurement/travel guidance if the Board adopts the ordinance.