This resolution reaffirms San Francisco's commitment to the WATCH Act, which protects individual privacy and civil liberties against state or federal information requests. It emphasizes the city's dedication to upholding constitutional rights.
Resolution reaffirming the City and County of San Francisco’s commitment to the WATCH Act (Administrative Code, Article IV) and the protection of individual privacy, civil liberties, and constitutional rights in response to state or federal information requests.
How it got here
The legislation originated from a need to reaffirm San Francisco's commitment to the WATCH Act, which protects individual privacy and civil liberties in response to information requests.
Voters approved a charter amendment allowing the Board of Supervisors to designate 'watch laws' that could violate individual rights under state or federal law.
The Board enacted Ordinance No. 51-05, known as the WATCH Act, which established procedures for responding to information requests that could infringe on constitutional rights.
Supervisor Walton introduced a resolution to reaffirm the City's commitment to the WATCH Act, emphasizing the importance of protecting civil liberties.
The Board adopted Resolution No. 547-25, reaffirming its commitment to the WATCH Act and urging all City departments to follow its procedures.
The Mayor returned the resolution unsigned, but it became effective without his approval due to the charter provisions.
The Clerk of the Board transmitted the adopted resolution to all City department directors for their information and awareness.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
