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IA SF437

A bill for an act relating to certain persons who leave legislative or executive branch service, including prohibiting certain employment, lobbying activities, and use of influence, and making penalties applicable.

summary

Introduced
02/25/2025
In Committee
02/25/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to former statewide elected officials, heads and deputy heads of an agency, members of the general assembly, persons who served as an official, employees of a state agency, and legislative employees. Under current law, former statewide elected officials, heads and deputy heads of an agency, and members of the general assembly are prohibited from becoming a lobbyist within two years after the termination of service or employment. The bill also prohibits such persons from directly authorizing or permitting lobbying by another individual as part of such person’s employment. Under current law, a person who has served as an official, state employee of a state agency, member of the general assembly, or legislative employee is prohibited from receiving compensation for any services rendered on behalf of any person, firm, corporation, or association in relation to any case, proceeding, or application with respect to which the person was directly concerned and personally participated within a period of two years after the termination of service or employment. The bill also prohibits such persons from obtaining employment in which the person will take direct advantage, unavailable to others. Such persons are also prohibited from being interested in a contract with Iowa or a political subdivision of Iowa if, during the legislative session in which the person ends service or employment, the contract was authorized by an enacted law or order made by any board of which the person was a member. The bill prohibits a state agency or local government agency from entering into a contract with or taking any action favorably selecting any business or person represented by a person who served as a statewide elected official, the executive or administrative head of an agency of state government, the deputy executive or administrative head of an agency of state government, or a member of the general assembly within the preceding year if the value of the contract or action is over $1,000 and the contract is a direct result of an official act by the person. By operation of law, a person who knowingly and intentionally violates Code section 68B.5A, 68B.7, or 68B.9, including as amended or enacted by the bill, as applicable, is guilty of a serious misdemeanor and may be reprimanded, suspended, or dismissed from the person’s position or otherwise sanctioned. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560.

AI Summary

This bill strengthens ethics restrictions for former government officials in Iowa by expanding prohibitions on post-employment activities. Specifically, the bill prevents certain former statewide elected officials, agency heads, deputy heads, and state legislators from becoming lobbyists within two years of leaving office, and additionally prohibits them from directly authorizing lobbying by others through their new employment. The legislation also bars these individuals from obtaining employment that provides them unique advantages not available to others and from being involved in state contracts that were authorized during their final legislative session. Furthermore, the bill restricts state and local government agencies from entering into contracts over $1,000 with businesses or individuals represented by these former officials if the contract directly results from an official act performed during their government service. Violations of these provisions are classified as a serious misdemeanor, which can result in penalties including potential fines between $430 and $2,560, as well as professional sanctions such as reprimand, suspension, or dismissal from their position. The overall intent of the bill is to prevent potential conflicts of interest and improper use of insider knowledge or influence after leaving public service.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Townsend. S.J. 367. (on 02/26/2025)

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