Bill > H0603

This bill expands the legal definition of "relative" in Florida's ethics laws to include foster parents and foster children for public employees and officials. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing definition to add individuals who were legally recognized foster parents or foster children of a public officer or employee during the officer's or employee's minority, or who are current or former legally recognized foster parents or foster children in the jurisdiction where the relationship occurred. This change would impact various ethics regulations, including gift restrictions for district school board members and their relatives. By broadening the definition of "relative," the bill aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of familial relationships in the context of public employee ethics, potentially closing previous loopholes or ambiguities in the existing statute. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, giving state agencies and officials time to understand and implement the new definition.

Government Affairs

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/603