San Diego's Rules Committee on Wednesday, Aug. 26, took action on Municipal Code changes that would make the city's Ethics Commission fully independent, directing staff to prepare an ordinance implementing Measure D.

The item, introduced by Council President Joe LaCava of District 1, would give the Ethics Commission the power to select its own executive director, establish its own complaint and investigation procedures, and authorize the director to issue subpoenas. LaCava represents La Jolla and surrounding communities.

Voters approved Measure D in November 2024 with 72% support, or 375,039 yes votes to 143,549 no votes, according to Ballotpedia. The charter amendment directed the commission toward greater independence but required Municipal Code changes to take full effect.

The measure passed overwhelmingly.

LaCava collaborated with former City Attorney Mara Elliott and former Ethics Commission Executive Director Sharon Spivak to place Measure D on the 2024 ballot, according to a press release from his office.

"These proposed reforms strengthen the Ethics Commission and ensure it has the independence guaranteed by the voters to provide oversight of City officials," LaCava said in a statement Wednesday.

San Diego has had an Ethics Commission since 2001. Measure D granted the commission authority to choose its own director and conduct investigations independently, powers it did not previously hold, according to LaCava's office.

The Rules Committee meeting also included a separate agenda item on campaign finance reform, titled "Exposing Dark Money, Banning Shadow Campaigns, and Ending Perpetual Fundraising," according to the city's People's Business blog.

The amendments must next go to the full San Diego City Council for a vote before taking effect. No hearing date has been scheduled publicly.