Bill > HB432

This bill makes several revisions to the state's ethics laws, including: - Expanding the definition of conflicts of interest and prohibited activities for public officials and employees, such as restrictions on using their position for personal gain, accepting gifts from certain parties, and representing clients before governmental bodies they previously served. - Revising the composition, appointment, and duties of the State Ethics Commission, including increasing the number of members and adding new qualifications. - Enhancing the Commission's investigative and enforcement powers, including issuing subpoenas, imposing administrative penalties for certain violations, and referring criminal violations to prosecutors. - Expanding financial disclosure requirements for various public officials and public employees, including candidates, members of regulatory boards, and procurement agents. - Prohibiting certain former public officials and employees from serving as lobbyists for a period of time after leaving office. - Adding new protections for whistleblowers who report ethics violations. - Increasing criminal penalties for intentional violations of the ethics laws. The bill also repeals several existing sections of the ethics laws and makes the legislation effective July 1, 2022.

Budget and Finance