This time of year brings the filing deadline for Statement of Economic Interest, commonly known as the Form 700. This form serves two essential purposes: provide transparency and accountability. It provides the public with vital information about an official’s personal financial interests to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the public and not the official’s own finances. It also serves as a reminder to the public official of potential conflicts so they can avoid making, influencing, or participating in conflicted governmental decisions.

March 1st is the deadline for elected state officers, judges and court commissioners, and state board and commission members listed in Government Code Section 87200. For most local officials and other filers, it’s April 1st. Individuals filing under conflict of interest codes in city and county jurisdictions should verify the annual filing date with their local filing officers. Statements postmarked by the filing deadline are considered filed on time.

Meantime, work is now underway to make Form 700 filing easier for many public officials. Introducing e-filing to the Fair Political Practices Commission will ensure California’s robust conflict of interest disclosure is more accessible to the public and make compliance easier for public officials.

“Increasing transparency through technology is one of my top priorities”, said FPPC Chair Jodi Remke. “The Form 700 E-filing system is just one of many ways we are working to revolutionize outdated systems with technology. I want the public to get meaningful information while also making it easier for public officials to comply with the law.”