- Political Reform Act
- Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)
- Why File Form 700
- Elected Officers (87200 Filers)
- Designated Positons
- Who Files
- What Must Be Filed
- When Must a Form 700 Be Filed
- Where to File a Form 700
Political Reform Act
Under the Political Reform Act (the “Act”), all public agencies are required to adopt a conflict-of-interest code (code). A code designates positions required to file Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700), and assigns disclosure categories specifying the types of interests to be reported. The Form 700 is a public document intended to alert public officials and members of the public to the types of financial interests that may create conflicts of interests. The entire County of San Benito code is located on-line here. The list of Elected Officers as well as Appointed Officers required to file is found on-line here.
Revision History:
- San Benito County Amendment to Exhibits A & B due to Biennial Review – Passed 12/13/2016, Board Resolution 2016-94
- San Benito County Conflict of Interest Code Exhibit C – Passed 1/26/2016, Board Resolution 2016-1, and unchanged by Resolution 2016-94
San Benito County Conflict of Interest Code Exhibits A, B and C– Passed 1/26/2016, Board Resolution 2016-1
Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)
Online Filing System
The San Benito County Clerk’s Division offers the Form 700 Online Filing System website to aid you in properly completing your Form 700. Our online site offers easy access to what you need to file, and when you need to file it. Once you have completed your form, a simple click of a button will file your form electronically. No need to print, sign and mail to our office. Using this site is the preferred method of filing the Form.
San Benito County Form 700 Online Filing System
If you wish to use our online system and do not already have an account, please contact us. All you need is an active e-mail account.
FPPC Form Download & Additional Reference Information
Any filer can download the form from the FPPC website. Please note that if you complete the form manually, you must print, sign and send to our office before your deadline.
Why File Form 700?
The Political Reform Act (Government Code Sections 81000-91015) requires most state and local government officials and employees to publicly disclose their personal assets and income. They must also disqualify themselves from participating in decisions that may affect their personal financial interests. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is the State agency responsible for issuing the Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700), and for interpreting the law’s provisions.
Elected Officers – 87200 filers
The Political Reform Act (Government Code 87500(e)) requires that “Persons holding the office of chief administrative officer and candidates for and persons holding the office of district attorney, county counsel, county treasurer, and member of the board of supervisors–one original with the county clerk, who shall make and retain a copy and forward the original to the Commission, which shall be the filing officer.”
Additionally, Government Code section 87500(g) (g) requires that “Members of the Public Utilities Commission, members of the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, planning commissioners, and members of the California Coastal Commission–one original with the agency, which shall make and retain a copy and forward the original to the Commission, which shall be the filing officer.”
As directed above, the San Benito County Clerk’s division maintains copies of these filed Form 700s while sending the originals to the FPPC. Per Governement Code Section 87505, a complete listing of these positions, and current imcumbents may be seen on our 87200 Filer page.
Designated Positions
Every agency has its own Conflict of Interest Code. Appendix A of those codes, list designated positions that make or participate in making decisions that may have a financial impact on the individual or agency. Positions listed in Government Code Section 87200 (i.e. City Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners, Members of the Board of Supervisors, etc. also known as 87200 filers) are not required to be included, because these positions automatically file Form 700.
In San Benito County, the agencies with Conflict of Interest Codes are grouped by their parent Entity. Click on a book below to see the designated list of positions for all agencies within that entity.
Please note, these entities are only provided as a courtesy. Only the San Benito County – County Employees, and Clerk of the Board (Boards & Commissions) Entities are actually covered by the San Benito County Conflict of Interest Code. For other Entities, the Conflict of Interest Codes are maintained by the respective agency (i.e. Water District, School District).
Who Files?
Any individual filling a designated position (see above).
What Must Be Filed?
Each designated employee must complete a Form 700. The form is for the previous calendar year. Each agency has its own specific Conflict of Interest Code, which specifies which schedules must be considered when filing.
When Must Form 700 Be Filed?
Whenever an individual assumes a position which is designated, the individual is required to file an Assuming Office Form 700 within 30 days of taking the position.
Whenever an individual leaves a position which is designated, the individual is required to file a Leaving Office Form 700 within 30 days of leaving the position.
The deadline for submitting an Annual Form 700 is April 1 of each year.
Remember to file on time – any person who is referred to FPPC’s Enforcement Division for not filing is subject to a $5000.00 fine.
For more filing deadlines and schedules, please view our Elections and Filings Calendar
Where to File a Form 700?
If you use our online filing system, forms can be electronically submitted with no further actions necessary.
If you choose to complete the forms manually, please forward the Forms 700, with an original signature, to our office located at:
San Benito County Clerk Division
440 Fifth Street – Room 206
Hollister, CA 95023
The County Clerk must make these forms available for public review upon request. Copies may be purchased for $0.10 per page.
