Transcript Highlights:

• :15:34.399><c> website</c> Legislative Ethics Commission website Legislative Ethics Commission website
• Do you think that's a more appropriate role for the ethics commission, or should the ethics commission
• </c> appropriate role for the ethics appropriate role for the ethics commission<00:20:58.960><c> or</
• the ethics commission or should the ethics commission<00:21:00.400><c> just</c><00:21:00.880><c> to<
• </c> enforcing the ethics law. enforcing the ethics law.

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 10 meeting, and then approved a large agenda of contracts and related items, with the total agenda amount stated as $359,638,393.88. Most items were approved without objection, but two contracts were pulled for discussion: attorney general panel counsel contingency fee contracts and a Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission personal services contract. For the attorney general’s office, Chris Lewis explained that the contracts were panel counsel contingency fee agreements, with 14 qualified awards from 16 applicants. He said the contracts were contingency-based, so no money would be paid unless cases were successful, and that the fee structure worked out to roughly 5% under the statutory waterfall. Senators asked about the size of the contracts, whether the terms were uniform, why no Kentucky firms were among the awardees, and how the public should understand the large dollar figures. Lewis said one Kentucky firm applied but was disqualified for a late submission, other Kentucky firms had inquired but did not apply, and local firms could still work with national firms on cases. The committee then approved the contracts. The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission contract drew more extensive questioning. Commission representatives said they had previously had a contract disapproved because the proper process was not followed, so they used an RFI process posted on the state and commission websites for at least three weeks. They received one applicant, a Kentucky firm, and set the rate at $125 per hour. Members questioned whether the commission was acting beyond its ethics mission, whether staff were helping draft complaints against legislators, and whether the commission was taking on a prosecutorial or human-resources role. The commission said its role is limited to enforcing the legislative code of ethics, providing advisory guidance, and following the formal complaint process; it does not pursue matters outside that code. Members also raised concerns about the earlier procurement misstep and the commission’s credibility, and the commission apologized, said it had corrected the process, and pledged to comply going forward. The committee then approved the contract.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, two, I never voted for the Code of Ethics 10.5 rules.
• The director filed an ethics complaint against me, claiming...
• The ethics hearing lasted just 45 minutes—45 minutes to years of work.
• So what happened to me is I was taking an ethics class that was required.
• These types of statements violate the Fair Housing Act, and they violate our Code of Ethics.

Bills: SB1361 , SB2105 , SB2690 , SB2713 , SCR38 , SB2637 , SB2881

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: SB 1361, Texas disaster recovery loan, small business loan, micro-business loan, community development financial institution, CDFI, economic disaster assistance, post-disaster financing, business recovery fund, Texas Economic Development Bank, zero-interest loan, working capital, payroll support, health benefits, job retention, declared disaster, small business relief, microenterprise, franchise exclusion, private equity-backed business

Transcript Highlights:

• The first section makes it a violation of Section 112, the Florida Code of Ethics, for anyone who is
• Chairman, deals with fines imposed by the Commission on Ethics. Section 2 of the bill, Mr.
• of Ethics, fines that remain unpaid and delinquent after 90 days.
• This part of the bill is recommended by the Commission on Ethics in consultation with... ...days.
• Representing the Florida Commission on Ethics, she would like to speak. Thank you. Come on up.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it heard SCS for SB 348, which would make it an ethics violation for a public official, candidate, or appointee to falsely claim military rank or honors for material gain, and would also require withholding delinquent ethics fines from the paychecks of current public officials or employees after 90 days. Senator Gates presented the bill, the Florida Commission on Ethics supported it, and members discussed the wage-withholding process. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s participation in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, making the compact permanent unless later repealed by the Legislature. Senator Wright explained that the compact helps military families with school transitions, and a representative from Foundation for Florida’s Future waived in support. The committee voiced support and voted SB 400 favorably. After completing both measures, the committee had no further business and adjourned.

Bills: HB111 , HB61 , HB43 , HB156 , HB70 , SB3 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HB247 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• That good change cleaned out the underbrush of specious ethics complaints based on rumors and internet
• We have Steven Zilkowski, and you represent the Florida Commission on Ethics.
• The Commission on Ethics believes that if witnesses to ethics violations are going to be the ones who
• file ethics complaints, they should be protected from retaliation.
• As far as implementation goes, having the Ethics Whistleblower Program with the Commission on Ethics

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability took up three bills. First, it heard Senator Gates’s employee protection bill, which would create whistleblower-style protections for people who file ethics complaints based on personal knowledge, allowing the Ethics Commission to investigate retaliation and, if probable cause is found, letting the complainant seek administrative or civil relief. The Commission on Ethics supported the measure, saying it had long recommended such protections and that implementation costs would be low. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the committee substitute for Senate Bill 92 favorably. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 60 by Senator McLean, which reclassifies certain district assistant regional counsel supervisor positions in the Florida Retirement System to the senior management class, aligning them more closely with comparable attorney positions in public defender and state attorney offices. A late-file technical amendment aligning class codes with Florida statutes was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. A representative from the regional council spoke in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 194 by Senator Martin, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. The sponsor argued the day would honor Kirk’s advocacy for free speech, debate, and civic engagement, and said it would not create a state holiday or require closures. The bill drew strong opposition from Senator Polsky and Senator Bracy Davis, who cited Kirk’s public comments on race, women, gun violence, and systemic discrimination and argued he was not a unifying figure worthy of state honor. Julie Keefe also spoke against the bill, while representatives from the Venezuelan American Republican Club and the Christian Family Coalition spoke in support. Despite the debate, the committee voted to report Senate Bill 194 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• That good change cleaned out the underbrush of specious ethics complaints based on rumors and internet
• We have Steven Ziegowski, and you represent the Florida Commission on Ethics.
• The Commission on Ethics believes that if witnesses to ethics violations are going to be the ones who
• file ethics complaints, they should be protected from retaliation.
• As far as implementation goes, having the Ethics Whistleblower Program with the Commission on Ethics

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability heard three bills and reported all three favorably. First, the committee took up Senator Gates’ employee protection bill, which was amended with a delete-all to create whistleblower protections for people who file ethics complaints based on personal knowledge. Gates and the Florida Commission on Ethics said the measure would reduce retaliation against insiders who report misconduct, while the commission said it supported the proposal and expected low implementation costs. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended. The committee next considered Senator McClain’s bill to reclassify certain district assistant regional counsel supervisor positions in the Florida Retirement System to the senior management class. Supporters said the change would align those positions with comparable attorneys in public defender and state attorney offices and help with recruitment and retention. A late-file technical amendment aligning class codes with statute was adopted, and the committee then reported the bill favorably. The final bill, Senator Martin’s SB 194, would designate October 14 each year as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance in Florida. Martin argued the day would honor Kirk’s advocacy for free speech, civic engagement, and debate, and said it would not create a state holiday or require closures. The bill drew strong opposition from Senator Polsky and Senator Bracy Davis, who cited Kirk’s public statements on race, women, guns, and systemic discrimination and argued he was divisive and unworthy of a state honor. Supporters, including representatives from the Venezuelan American Republican Club and the Christian Family Coalition, backed the measure. After debate, the committee voted to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls this meeting with the Texas Ethics Commission at 9:10 a.m. with the executive director, please
• Um, we want to recognize the contributions of three former chairs of the Texas Ethics Commission.
• He chaired the Business and Commerce Committee, State Affairs, and the Select Committee on Ethics.
• , the best ethics bill in the history of the Texas legislature.
• Texas Ethics Commission at 12:05 p.m. Will the executive director please call the roll.

Transcript Highlights:

• David Bordlawn, our ethics administrator. Mr. Bordlawn, Ethics Administrator. Thank you. Mr.
• David Bordlawn, Ethics Administrator on behalf of the Louisiana Board of Ethics. Thank you, Mr.
• And it deals both of them with ethics.
• David Bordlawn, Ethics Administrator.
• So it wouldn't come under the ethics code.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several House bills dealing mainly with ethics, elections, and legislative procedure. HB 858 by Rep. Riser, creating a public records exception for GPS data on wildlife and aquatic life held by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, was reported favorably without objection. HB 661, which expands existing nepotism exceptions to allow school board members and superintendents to hire immediate family members as paraprofessionals and janitors, drew support from members concerned about staffing shortages in schools; the Ethics Administrator noted the board’s concern that repeated exceptions erode the nepotism rules, but the bill was still reported favorably without objection. HB 359, a cleanup bill on the death of a non-major-party primary candidate, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 258, which clarifies that volunteer firefighters are not subject to dual office-holding restrictions and allows retired judges to serve on certain boards while still being available for ad hoc judicial service, passed on an 8-4 roll call vote. Rep. Newell’s HB 705, which would strengthen contempt of the legislature penalties and add provisions addressing disorderly conduct and interference with legislative proceedings, generated the most debate. Members raised concerns about the proposed jump in fines from $1,000 to $50,000, due process, and the breadth of language that could be read to cover ordinary advocacy or passionate testimony. After discussion, the author agreed the bill needed more work, and it was voluntarily deferred in committee. The committee also heard HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to return on a contractual basis to address shortages, which was amended and then reported favorably without objection. HB 238, which would remove a waiting period and population-based restriction for former school board members or certified psychologists to return to work in school districts, prompted a lengthy debate about the judiciary and per diem rules because of related ethics concerns raised in the discussion; the author ultimately asked to voluntarily defer the bill, and the committee agreed. Finally, HB 398, which would cap lodging, meal, and incidental expense reimbursements for state officials and employees at GSA rates and limit emergency exceptions, drew sharp opposition from several members and a retired judge who argued the current judicial per diem is reasonable and tied to safety and travel needs. The author said he would work on amendments and voluntarily deferred HB 398. The committee then began discussion of HB 752, which would move the timing of regular legislative sessions into joint rule and change the session start/end dates, with the author explaining it was intended to give the Legislature more flexibility without needing constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommended changes to the code of ethics. Yes, Emily Stephen.
• </c><00:03:23.360><c> Yes,</c> changes to the code of ethics. Yes, changes to the code of ethics.
• </c> ethical misconduct. ethical misconduct.
• </c><00:10:48.399><c> code</c> recommended changes to the ethics code recommended changes to the ethics
• Now that doesn't mean the ethics code.

Summary: The commission first returned from executive session and noted that discussions there were preliminary only and no final agency action was taken. It then approved the budget report, which staff said was within year-to-date budget parameters. Members discussed recommended changes to the code of ethics. Staff proposed four items: defining and prohibiting sexual harassment as ethical misconduct; two housekeeping changes related to lobbyist registration notice and campaign contribution language; and a possible reduction of the post-service waiting period for former legislators to become lobbyists from two years to one year. Members agreed the lobbying cooling-off period was a broader General Assembly issue and voted to recommend only the first three changes, leaving the fourth for later review. The chair noted the July 1 deadline for submitting ethics-code recommendations to the LRC. The commission also approved renewal of a $100,000 contract with Casey Bailey and Mains for Robert Jenkins to continue serving as enforcement counsel, with hourly rates of $125 for the attorney and $40 for the paralegal. Finally, it approved a 3% cost-of-living pay increase for General Counsel Steven Pium, discussed possible conference attendance and informal opinions, and adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second area we've increased our focus on is educator ethics.
• The second area we've increased our focus on is educator ethics.
• This coursework provides our students with both the principles of ethics and the practical application
• We place a strong emphasis on ethics, data privacy, bias, and professional judgment.
• And we place a strong emphasis on ethics, data privacy, bias, and professional judgment.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• However, I do think the previous Ethics Board missed one regard: we operate on a two-year cycle.
• And I also think we're, you know, I don't know that I would have agreed with the previous Ethics Board
• Okay, so it's an ethics alert is what we're leaning toward.
• So I guess what I'm saying is I don't agree maybe with the previous ethics boards on this.
• , ethics advisors, ethicizers, thank you.

Summary: The meeting focused on whether legislators and legislative staff may use official resources, including newsletters and social media, to comment on a bill that has since become a ballot measure. Members discussed older ethics guidance allowing comments on legislation previously before the legislature, but questioned whether that rule still applies to modern social media posts and to ballot measures, especially when the language is strong or could be seen as an indirect appeal to voters. Several members argued that once a bill becomes a ballot measure, using state resources to advocate for or against it is prohibited, while others emphasized the importance of allowing officials to explain their votes and speak to their legislative record. The group debated possible guardrails, including whether comments should be limited to the bill itself, whether tone and timing should matter, and whether the rule should apply only to members not subject to election-year restrictions. One motion proposed extending the prior ethics guidance from the immediately preceding legislative session to the full biennium and applying it to social media, but that motion failed. Members then shifted toward a brighter-line approach tied to the primary election date, with discussion that after the primary officials should not use state resources to talk about a bill that became a ballot measure or is subject to ballot challenge. A second motion to use the primary date as the cutoff for monitoring these discussions was made, seconded, and passed. The chair then noted that officials are still free to speak on personal or campaign accounts, and to respond to questions, but the board’s guidance would help distinguish permissible official communications from campaign-like advocacy. The meeting then moved toward adjournment of the public portion, with no public testimony offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have an attorney for the state ethics commission to focus on municipal ethics regarding what
• We also have an attorney for the state ethics commission to focus on municipal ethics regarding what
• We also have an attorney for the state ethics commission to focus on municipal ethics regarding what
• We also have an attorney for the state ethics commission to focus on municipal ethics regarding what
• We also have an attorney for the state ethics commission to focus on municipal ethics regarding what

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're going to move on to the next resolution, that is HCR 72, urging the ethics commission of
• </c><00:09:48.959><c> commission</c><00:09:49.600><c> of</c><00:09:49.920><c> each</c> urging the ethics
• commission of each urging the ethics commission of each county<00:09:50.560><c> to</c><00:09:50.800>
• </c> enforced by the state ethics enforced by the state ethics commission.<00:10:00.240><c> And</c><00
• This is to have the county politicians have to abide by the same ethics that all of us here in the state

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard HCR 58 HD1, which asks the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a geothermal energy working group to review the regulatory and policy landscape for geothermal development in Hawaii. Testimony was generally supportive: the PUC, Consumer Advocates Office, and State Energy Office all said they stood on written testimony in support. In response to questions, a State Energy Office representative explained that geothermal exploration and permitting involve multiple agencies and depend on the land involved, and estimated that drilling an initial slim-hole test well could cost around $2.5 million or more, with additional work needed afterward to characterize the resource. The representative also noted that drilling can provide useful information about groundwater, geology, and temperature profiles. The committee discussed the importance of including community members and relevant energy stakeholders in the working group. After discussion, the committee voted to recommend HCR 58 HD1 be passed unamended. The chair, vice chair, and Senator Richards voted yes, Senator Fevella was excused, and the recommendation was adopted. Later in the same meeting, the committee heard HCR 68, which urges the City and County of Honolulu to create a dedicated animal education and training complex in the Kalai Loa Parklands, and HCR 72, which urges county ethics commissions to adopt standards similar to those applied to state elected officials and officers. Pacific Pet Alliance testified in support of HCR 68, citing the lack of animal-friendly facilities on the Leeward side and the high cost of renting space for shows and related events. No one testified on HCR 72. The committee then voted to pass both resolutions unamended, with Senator Fevella excused, and both recommendations were adopted before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's my... ...ethical way of thinking is that we all are adults.
• private sector, ethics enforcement, is not a good public policy.
• But I do want to highlight that, again, ethics is incredibly important.
• So I don't, I can't, I can't, I think I can't ethics and about some of the implications.
• But I do want to highlight that, again, ethics is incredibly important.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Investment Board lacks any framework for making ethical investment decisions.
• Senate Bill 6109 affirms that we can invest both wisely and ethically.
• They'd be more ethical and not just picking companies because they're prudent.
• And I think that this bill should pass and that we should apply ethical decisions.
• I'm glad, I think. ...should pass and that we should apply ethical decisions.

Bills: SB5439 , SB6109 , SB6304

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: investment, thermal coal, divestment, state investment board, fossil fuels, environmental impact, renewable energy, detention facilities, state funds, privatization, criminal justice reform, Washington State Investment Board, responsible investment, sustainability, corporate governance

Transcript Highlights:

• However, I do think that the previous Ethics Board missed it in one regard: We operate on a two-year
• And I also think we're, you know, I don't know that I would have agreed with the previous Ethics Board
• Okay, so it's an ethics alert is what we're leaning toward.
• So I guess what I'm saying is I don't agree maybe with the previous ethics boards on this.
• I mean, yes, I guess it should be left up to the ethics board because you can’t say, you know, ethics

Summary: The meeting focused on ethics guidance for legislators’ official newsletters and social media posts about a major tax bill that has since become a ballot measure. Members and staff debated whether existing board guidance, which allowed comments on legislation previously before the legislature, should also apply to social media and to the current biennium rather than only the immediately preceding session. Several members argued that legislators should be able to state how they voted on the bill and discuss it as part of their legislative record, while others stressed that using state resources to advocate for or against a ballot measure is prohibited and that posts could become an indirect appeal to voters. The discussion also covered whether there should be a bright-line cutoff tied to the primary election date, after which official communications should stop discussing the bill if it is now a ballot measure. Staff and members raised concerns about tone, tenor, and proximity to the election, and whether official social media, caucus communications, and newsletters should be treated differently. One motion to extend the prior rule to the full biennium and apply it to social media failed. A second motion then passed establishing the primary date as a date certain for monitoring these discussions, with the understanding that official communications should be more limited after that point. Members noted that personal social media and campaign resources remain separate from official legislative resources. The meeting then moved toward adjournment of the public portion, with no public testimony offered, before a brief break and executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: The Texas Ethics Commission will now hold an executive session pursuant to the government code
• Chair: Okay, the chair reconvenes this meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission at 10:18 a.m.
• There being no further business, the Texas Ethics Commission adjourns at 11:15.
• Commissioner 1: By the way, the Ethics Commission, all we do is fine people.
• Commissioner 1: Has nothing to do with ethics?

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission convened at 9:03 a.m. and held an executive session, reconvening at 10:18 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission approved a settlement agreement with Michael Quinn Sullivan, ending ongoing litigation. The agreement involved Sullivan dropping his legal challenges regarding a civil penalty previously imposed by the Commission. The Commission also announced personnel changes, including the departure of the director of enforcement, Marie Prim, and the appointment of Jordan Hun as interim director. The Commission discussed outside counsel contracts, approving the addition of Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP to their pool of qualified vendors. They scheduled their next meeting for September 23rd and approved minutes from previous meetings. The agenda included several rulemaking items, with three rules adopted and five proposed for publication in the Texas Register. Notably, amendments to Chapter 20 regarding reporting contributions and expenditures were approved, as well as changes to lobbyist registration thresholds in Chapter 34, which were proposed for publication. The Commission also addressed advisory opinions, adopting several, including one regarding political advertising by charter schools and another concerning the revolving door prohibition for former state employees. Appeals for administrative waivers and reductions of fines were considered, with several fines waived or reduced based on individual circumstances. Lastly, the Commission discussed policies related to alternative dispute resolution and clarified responsibilities between the Commission and staff, concluding the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The ethics advisors had received a bunch of different questions about whether what the member wanted
• And the board encourages members to continue to ask ethics advisors.
• It encourages members to continue to ask ethics advisors if it's a good idea to write a letter.
• I think this advisory, putting it all in one place, really helps, will help the ethics advisors.
• I think this advisory, putting it all in one place, really helps, will help the ethics advisors.

Summary: The board approved the October 15 meeting minutes and then reviewed three employment disclosure forms involving staff or spouses employed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and the Department of Corrections. The disclosures were approved unanimously. The board also adopted a proposed rule change to conform board rules to a prior statutory amendment that separated fines from costs. Members then discussed a draft advisory opinion interpreting the phrase “letter of recommendation” under the ethics statute. The draft would read the term broadly, allow legislators to decide when to write such letters when requested by a constituent, and reaffirm that it remains appropriate to use state resources for job references or scholarships for individuals the legislator has supervised or worked closely with at the legislature, as well as for certain gubernatorial appointments. Members generally supported the draft, but asked for possible clarification of the phrase “work closely with,” and approved the opinion as drafted with that caveat. The board also reviewed proposed future meeting dates, noting a concern that January 19 falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and may need to be changed. No final action was taken on the dates during the public portion. The meeting then moved toward executive session after adjourning the public portion.

Transcript Highlights:

• LADIES AND GENTLEMEN UNDER TAB ONE WE WILL TAKE UP CS FOR SP 3488 ETHICS BY SENATOR GAETZ.
• THE FIRST MAKES IT A VIOLATION OF SECTION 112 THE FLORIDA CODE OF ETHICS.
• CHAIRMAN DEALS WITH FINES IMPOSED BY THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS FOR ANY VIOLATION OF THE FLORIDA CODE OF
• ETHICS.
• WE HAVE KERRY STILLMAN REPRESENTATIVE FOR FLORIDA COMMISSION ON ETHICS WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK.

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] The Minnesota Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct,
• Um, we're back to wrap up on the second item on our agenda today related to the ethics complaint filed
• We're on 56.1 and 56.3, which state members must adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct as
• Senator Matthews moves that the subcommittee on ethical conduct find a violation of Senate Rule 56.3
• Conduct find a Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct find a violation<00:09:55.440><c> of</c><00:09:55.680

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct