This bill introduces new procedures for the suspension of state employees, mandating that any employee suspended with pay must receive written notice detailing the reasons for their suspension within seven days. However, this requirement does not apply to employees who are covered under collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, the bill defines key terms related to legislative ethics, including "public at large," which refers to a large group of individuals or organizations likely to experience similar benefits or detriments from legislation, and "direct benefit," which describes a financial benefit that directly affects a legislator or their household without any intervening actions.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing definitions related to conflicts of interest and recusal requirements for legislators. It clarifies that a financial interest exists if a legislator or their household member is an employee of or receives compensation from an individual or organization that could materially benefit from the legislator's official actions. The bill also specifies that the term "organization" refers to the client in the context of lobbying, and it establishes that a registered lobbyist does not exert substantial influence over an organization unless they meet specific criteria. The act is set to take effect 90 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 14-B:1, 14-C:2