San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)

Campaign Related Communications at Public Expense

Fine: $7,500

FPPC No. 16/19959

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is a public transportation system that serves the San Francisco Bay Area. BART was represented by BART General Counsel Matthew Burrows. BART used YouTube videos, social media posts, and text messages to promote Measure RR, which authorized BART to issue $3.5 billion in general obligation bonds, causing them to qualify as an independent expenditure committee. BART failed to timely file two late independent expenditure reports in the 90-day period preceding the November 8, 2016 General Election, in violation of Government Code Section 84204 (1 count); failed to timely file a semi-annual campaign statement for the period covering July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, in violation of Government Code Section 84200, subdivision (b) (1 count); and failed to include a proper disclosure statement in its electronic media advertisements, in violation of Government Code Section 84506, subdivision (a) (1 count).