Ethics Reform
June 4, 2003
House Ethics Proposal (contained in HA 1 and HA 2 to SB 703)
PASSED ON 106-0 VOTE, NOT CALLED FOR A VOTE IN THE SENATE.
Senate Ethics Proposal (contained in SA1 to HB 3412)
PASSED BOTH CHAMBERS, SENT TO GOVERNOR.
| House Ethics Proposal | Senate Ethics Proposal |
|---|---|
| Creates Ethics Commissions for Executive and Legislative Branches of government |
No ethics commissions for Executive or Legislative branch |
| Hotline for complaints and concerns | No hotlines or other mechanisms for complaints |
| Creates Inspectors General to investigate ethics complaints in Executive and Legislative Branches of government |
No Inspectors General or other mechanisms for investigations |
| Uniform ethics training for all state employees | Ethics training may vary from agency to agency, but would still be required. |
| Eliminates six limited-jurisdiction gift ban commissions | Retains six limited-jurisdiction gift ban commissions |
| Removes exemption for unlimited golf and tennis outings from state Gift Ban Act |
Retains unlimited exemption for golf and tennis outings with lobbyists |
| Meals with lobbyists capped at $75 per day | Retains unlimited meals with lobbyists |
| Clarifies and expands definition of prohibited political activity on state time |
Same as House bill |
| Broadens scope of workers covered by ethics laws to include appointees, temporary, and contractual workers |
Same as House bill |
| Tightened lobbyist registration reporting | Same as House bill |
| Electronic filing of lobbyist registration and gift reports | Same as House bill |
| Requires groups running sham issue ads before elections to disclose source of funds |
Same as House bill |
| Increases fines for political committees that hide funds received right before an election |
Same as House bill |
| Requires disclosure in political communications of PAC that paid for it |
Same as House bill |
| Shuts revolving door for state employees who negotiate with private vendors |
Same as House bill |
| Bans offer or promise of state benefits for campaign contributions | Same as House bill |
| Bans candidates’ image or voice in state-sponsored public service announcements before elections |
Same as House bill |
| Bans state-sponsored legislative mailings before elections | Same as House bill |
| Limits late-term gubernatorial appointments | Same as House bill |
| Clarifies ban on fundraising at State Capitol on session days |
Same as House bill |
| Clarifies definition of state property for ban on contribution solicitations |
Same as House bill |
| Requires disclosure of ex parte communication in rule making |
Same as House bill |
