Title
Consider approving the use of Electronic Filing for Statements of Economic Interest and direct the Clerk of the Board to submit the application to Obtain Certification of Electronic Filing System for Processing a Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700 to the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve the use of Electronic Filing for Statements of Economic Interest and direct the Clerk of the Board to submit the application to Obtain Certification of Electronic Filing System for Processing a Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700 to the Fair Political Practices Commission.
SUMMARY:
Electronic filing will make it easier for filers to comply with reporting obligations and provide the public with information in a more accessible and consistent format. Pursuant to Section 87500.2, an agency seeking approval and certification of an electronic filing system for statements of economic interest shall submit a description of the electronic filing system the agency proposes to use along with documentation showing compliance with the technical requirements of Section 87500.2 and a certification fee of $1,000 to the FPPC. This action authorizes the Clerk of the Board to institute this process.
DISCUSSION:
At this time the Clerk of the Board does not accept online electronic filings. Required filers must submit original signed 700 Form to their agency as determined by the agency or department's conflict of interest code. Electronic filing is becoming more accepted and encouraged as it improves the public's ability to access this information. The proposed action does not prohibit "paper" filing, it merely increases and improves the ability to submit electronic filing and makes the process easier and more transparent for the public.
The County is currently under contract with Netfile for maintenance of the FPPC Statement of Economic Interest forms (700 Forms). The Netfile system is certified by the California Secretary of State for management of online electronic filing. Netfile is also approved by the Fair Political Practices Commission for management of Statements of Economic Interests and online electronic filing. Netfile will ensure that the system meets California Secretary of State and Fair Political Practices Commission standards for electronic filings and will ensure the database stays current with applicable California statutes, regulations, and forms. Approval of the electronic filing system will not require amending the County's current agreement with Netfile as the County's contract with Netfile includes electronic filing in the scope of services.
After approval by the FPPC and implementation of the system, a link to file and view 700 Forms will be placed on the County's website. The filing and viewing site will be hosted by Netfile. The Clerk of the Board's Office anticipates that this linkage should be available by January, 2015.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The certification and system requirements have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel, Clerk Recorder and IT Department.
FINANCING:
Funding for the certification is provided by the contractor. There is no impact to the County General Fund.
Prepared by: Lucila Sanchez, Management Analyst, x5841
Approved by: Gail T. Borkowski, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
Attachments:
Application to Obtain Certification of Electronic Filing System for Processing of Statements of Economic Interests, Form 700; Netfile Certification document; Approved Agencies.