Bill > HB0194

This bill establishes comprehensive ethics standards, complaint procedures, and enforcement mechanisms for members of the Utah State Board of Education, recognizing that board members often hold outside employment and aiming to balance private interests with public trust. It defines key terms like "board member," "commission" (an independent ethics commission established to review complaints), and "conflict of interest." The bill outlines a code of official conduct for board members, prohibiting actions that impair independence, involve undue influence, or abuse their position, while also allowing for certain business activities under specific conditions. It creates a five-member independent ethics commission composed of former judges, former board members, and former superintendents/directors to review ethics complaints, with specific rules for disqualification due to conflicts of interest. The bill details the process for filing complaints, including who can file and time limitations, and establishes procedures for the commission's review, investigation, and recommendation, emphasizing confidentiality throughout the process. It also grants the commission subpoena powers and outlines consequences for contempt, while clarifying that the board's actions are limited to disciplinary measures and do not include removing elected members from office, which remains the Legislature's purview through impeachment. Finally, it mandates annual ethics training for board members and sets forth rules for communications with the judiciary and cooperation with legislative impeachment proceedings.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0194.html