LA City Council to Place Ethics Reform on November Ballot
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles City Council Tuesday will consider placing ethics reforms on the ballot for November's election.
Council members will vote on a series of proposed changes to the city charter intended to ensure the Ethics Commission is more independent and enhance its enforcement powers. The council's Ad Hoc Committee on Ethics Reforms previously approved changes in April.
Highlights of the proposal includes a proposed $6.5 million annual budget that would be funded through city revenue; updated fines for violating ethics laws from $5,000 per fine to $15,000 per fine; shortening a deadline for making an appointment to fill a vacancy on the Ethics Commission from 90 days to 30 days; and allowing the commission to hire and operate within its own budget amid hiring freezes. Additionally, the proposal would increase the size of the commission from five to seven members.
The proposal was developed in partnership with Council President Paul Krekorian's office, Ethics Commission and representatives of Common Cause, a government watchdog group.
https://kfiam640.iheart.com/content/2024-05-14-la-city-council-to-place-ethics-reform-on-november-ballot/