Panel Endorses Exceptions to Ethics Law

Responding to criticism and confusion, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission on Friday approved several limited exceptions to a new ban on acceptance of gifts by city officials.

The changes would allow officials to accept such things as plaques, books, presents from family members and food and admission, when worth less than $20, to certain conferences and events.

Benjamin Bycel, the ethics panel’s executive director, said the changes are intended to make the city’s ground-breaking ethics law workable, while retaining the spirit of reform the voters had in mind.

The changes were unanimously approved and sent to the City Council, which will vote on two ordinances to clean up details of the measure approved by voters last year.

When the ethics law took effect in January, there were numerous complaints that it was too restrictive and an invasion of privacy. Some officials complained that the ban on gifts prevented them from accepting even a cup of coffee at a meeting. Port officials claimed gift exchanges are a part of doing business with clients in the Far East, and the city was being placed at a competitive disadvantage.

Others said detailed new financial disclosure requirements demand too much personal information.

“The rules were confused and ambiguous,” Bycel said. “We tried to strike a reasonable middle ground.”

Among other proposed amendments Friday, the ethics commission recommended allowing Harbor Department officials to accept some gifts from overseas clients, although the items must be reported and turned over to the city.

Although permitting some exceptions to the gift ban, the proposed amendments make clear that all gifts from lobbyists to city elected officials still are prohibited.

In addition, the most controversial items that elected officials and top managers once received--such as free trips, suits, watches, televisions and tickets to theater and sporting events--would remain banned, Bycel said.

On disclosure of personal finances, the commission has called for more information from elected officials and top managers, but agreed to less disclosure for scores of lower-level managers.