STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance & Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: May 24, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: City Attorney's Office
EXECUTIVE: Tammy L. Palomino
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
An ordinance amending Chapter 12A, "Code of Ethics," of the Dallas City Code, (1) adding a substantial interest in business entity conflict of interest; (2) providing that the rules against impermissible financial interest in discretionary contracts or sales during service with the city do not apply to volunteers on a committee or task force formed by a board or commission; (3) requiring a disclosure for those who were paid to work on councilmember campaigns when representing interests before the city council; (4) creating an offense for disclosing confidential information; (5) prohibiting campaign/political consultants from lobbying councilmembers for one year following an election; (6) amending the standard of proof to be a preponderance of the evidence; (7) providing updated subpoena processes for the inspector general and ethics advisory commission and updated hearing procedures; and (8) updating definitions and simplifying and clarifying language - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
body
BACKGROUND
The proposed ordinance amending the Code of Ethics is the second phase of Chapter 12A amendments based on the recommendations in the Report of the City's Ethics Reform Task Force (Report) with a focus on implementing the "High-Level Overview of Principal Proposals" in the Report.
The ordinance:
(1) clarifies and simplifies language regarding gifts, conflicts of interest, reporting requirements, and other provisions;
(2) updates definitions;
(3) clarifies the exceptions to the rule on gifts;
(4) adds a substantial interest in business entity conflict of interest;
(5) provides that abstention from participation in a matter is not required if the majority of a body reports a similar c...
Click here for full text