Voters have approved an amendment to the Oakland City Charter to strengthen the authority, resources, and independence of the Public Ethics Commission. The commission now will have the authority to enforce the Oakland Lobbyist Registration Act and provisions of the state’s Political Reform Act.

Measure CC sets aside $500,000 in additional funding for the commission in order to hire more staff members and investigate violations. The seven-member commission now has the authority to impose penalties and fines when four members agree by vote.