Senate Bill No. 1227 seeks to amend the state's ethics code by increasing various monetary thresholds related to the definition of "gift" and other financial regulations affecting public officials and state employees. The bill proposes to replace the existing definition of "gift" with a new one that raises the threshold for ceremonial awards from $100 to $250, and increases the limit for food and beverage gifts from $50 to $100 per person. Additionally, it introduces a new category for gifts related to major life events, allowing gifts up to $1,500 from non-family members. The bill also modifies the aggregate value limits for gifts from a single donor in a calendar year, increasing the cap from $50 to $100, and includes new exclusions for travel expenses and benefits provided by prospective employers to students. Moreover, SB1227 raises the threshold for contracts that public officials can enter into with the state from $100 to $250, requiring contracts valued at $250 or more to be awarded through an open process. It also increases the reporting threshold for gifts received by public officials from $10 to $20, and modifies the definition of "expenditure" to raise the reporting threshold for paid communications from $50 to $100. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the dealings of public officials and state employees, with changes set to take effect on October 1, 2025. Overall, these amendments are designed to modernize the state's ethics regulations and reflect current practices in political contributions and gifts.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 1-84, 1-96, 1-96e
GAE Joint Favorable: 1-84, 1-96, 1-96e
File No. 126: 1-84, 1-96, 1-96e