Task Force Sets New Rules for Ethics Commission Ballot Measures in Split Vote

The Commission Streamlining Task Force reached a pivotal compromise on how San Francisco's Ethics Commission can place measures before voters - giving the Board of Supervisors new power to reject or amend proposals while preserving the commission's ability to override changes with supermajority votes.

• Ethics Commission ballot measures can now be rejected by a two-thirds Board vote (passed 3–2).

• New ~275-day timeline adopted for the full review process, with department noticing requirements.

• City Administrator tapped to lead ongoing commission coordination across multiple departments.

• Final report vote scheduled for next meeting; charter amendment and ordinance drafts to be posted in advance.

• Good government advocates warn changes could invite political interference in ethics enforcement.

The Task Force's most consequential action Friday was approving a framework that fundamentally reshapes how the Ethics Commission—an independent watchdog body—can place reforms directly before voters. Under current rules, the commission can bypass elected officials entirely. The new framework inserts the Board of Supervisors into the process with meaningful authority to stop or reshape proposals.