This bill aims to revise and enhance the Code of Ethics by expanding and clarifying the prohibition on the use of public resources for political purposes. It includes a revision of the definition of "gift of substantial value" and extends certain ethical provisions to judicial officers. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of the Great Seal or official state letterhead for specific communications, thereby reinforcing ethical standards in public service.

The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 2-2-102, 2-2-103, 2-2-121, 2-2-136, and 13-35-226. These amendments aim to provide clearer definitions and guidelines regarding ethical conduct, ensuring that public resources are not misused for political gain and that all public officials, including judicial officers, adhere to these standards.

Statutes affected:
HB0412_1.pdf: 2-2-102, 2-2-103, 2-2-121, 2-2-136, 13-35-226
HB0412_2.pdf: 2-2-102, 2-2-103, 2-2-121, 2-2-136, 13-35-226
Amended: 2-2-102, 2-2-103, 2-2-121, 2-2-136, 13-35-226
Introduced: 2-2-102, 2-2-103, 2-2-121, 2-2-136, 13-35-226