|
SCS/SB 577 - This act modifies various provisions relating to ethics. Sitting senators and representatives are barred from contracting with other sitting senators or representatives for the purposes of securing services for political fund raising, campaigning, or consulting relating to state or federal elections. Currently, the definition of legislative lobbyist only applies to those acting in the ordinary course of employment whose primary purpose is to influence legislation on a regular basis. This act broadens the definition to extend to those who influence legislation regardless of the extent of their purpose. A current provision exempting those who engage in lobbying on an occasional basis is removed. Employees and staff of the general assembly, including employees of the majority and minority caucuses of both chambers, shall file yearly financial interest statements disclosing sources of income received totaling $5,000 or more, apart from income earned from the state, and the general nature of the business conducted in connection with such income. The Office of Independent Investigation is created within the Ethics Commission to investigate potential ethics violations and file ethics complaints. Complaints filed in this manner shall be handled in the same manner as all other ethics complaints. Sitting state senators and representatives shall report contributions received during the legislative session exceeding $250 within 48 hours of receiving the contribution. This act is similar to HB 1390 (2010), HB 1727 (2010), and SB 800 (2010) CHRIS HOGERTY
|
