What will Proposition D do?
Proposition D, passed by voters on March 5, 2024, amends the City’s Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code to strengthen City ethics laws. Proposition D becomes operative on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Review this summary of the changes brought by Proposition D to learn more.
Live Trainings on Proposition D
The Ethics Commission is hosting a live and interactive webinar for City officials on the upcoming changes in City law. The training has a duration of two hours and will be repeated three times before Prop. D goes into effect. It will be held online via Webex. Attendance is voluntary and all City & County of San Francisco officers and employees are welcome to attend. For questions on the live interactive trainings on Proposition D or to register, please contact ethics.commission@sfgov.org. Pre-recorded versions of the Proposition D live trainings will be available on this webpage. Please check back again shortly.
Self-Study Course on the Changes to City Ethics Law Brought by Proposition D
The purpose of this voluntary self-study course is to equip City officers and employees with information and resources on the changes in City ethics law brought by Proposition D, help increase their confidence in knowing and following the law and empower them to speak out if something is amiss.
This self-study course consists of a video series on Prop. D changes to City ethics law, reading materials, a knowledge check questionnaire, and instructions to file an Ethics complaint if needed. Please do not submit your responses to the knowledge check questions to the Ethics Commission. They are for self-study purposes, and they will not be reviewed or graded.
Please note that videos, questionnaires, and other training materials are not a replacement for Ethics Commission advice. Seek advice from the Ethics Commission anytime you need to know how the law applies to your own conduct.
1. Self-Study Course: Training Videos
This short video series provides an overview of the different provisions in Proposition D. You must be signed into the CCSF Microsoft Office 365 system to view the MS Stream versions of the videos.
Full Playlist (View on YouTube)
Video 1: “What is Proposition D?” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 2: “What Is a Gift? (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 3: “Overview of Prop. D Changes to the Restricted Source Rule” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 4: “Who Is a Restricted Source of Gifts?” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 5: “Restricted Source Rule: Expansion of the Prohibition” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 6: “Exceptions to the Restricted Source Rule” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 7: “Ethics Training Requirement: Does It Apply to Me?” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 8: “Incompatible Activities” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 9: “Bribery Prohibition” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 10: “Gifts to City Departments” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 11: “Penalties for Failing to Disclose Relationships” (View on YouTube) (View on MS Stream)
Video 12: “General Penalty Provisions, E-Filing, and Future Legislative Amendments” (View on YouTube) (View on Stream)
2. Self-Study Course: Reading Materials
You are encouraged to read the following materials to become familiar with the changes in Ethics law brought by Proposition D (March 2024). This is not required reading as this self-study course is voluntary.
- “What Will Proposition D Do?” (Frequently Asked Questions on Proposition D) (25-minute read.)
- Press Release: Voters Approve Ethics Reform Package with Passage of Proposition D – San Francisco Ethics Commission (5 minutes.)
- Legal Text of Proposition D (60 minutes.)
- Regulations on City Gift Rules Amended with Proposition D – 8.7.23 (sfethics.org) (45 minutes.)
- Memorandum: Proposition-D- City Ethics Laws – 4.15.2024.pdf (sfcityattorney.org) (20 minutes)
3. Knowledge Check Questionnaire
Use the Proposition D Self Study Course to check your knowledge on Proposition D changes to City Ethics rules. This questionnaire is voluntary and for self-study purposes. You need not submit this questionnaire to the Ethics Commission as it will not be reviewed or graded.
4. Questions?
The Ethics Commission is here to assist you with your Ethics questions. If you have questions on how these or other rules apply to your situation, contact the Ethics Commission at 415-252-3100 or ethics.commission@sfgov.org.
5. How to File a Complaint
If you suspect a violation of any of these laws, prepare and submit a complaint with the Ethics Commission’s Enforcement Division. Investigations are conducted confidentially (SF Charter section C3.699-13(a)). Read more on how to file a complaint on the Ethics Commission’s Complaint portal.