This bill amends existing legislative ethics laws by introducing new definitions to clarify conflicts of interest for legislators. It adds a new paragraph to RSA 14-C:4-a, defining terms such as "direct benefit," "direct detriment," and "official legislative activity." A "direct benefit" is defined as a financial gain for a legislator or their household resulting from legislation, while a "direct detriment" refers to a financial loss. Additionally, the bill allows legislators who have recused themselves from official activities due to conflicts of interest to testify before legislative committees, provided they disclose their conflict both in writing and verbally.

Furthermore, the bill modifies RSA 14-C:4-b to expand the exceptions to recusal requirements for legislators. It specifies that legislators are not required to recuse themselves from activities related to the state operating budget, state capital budget, trailer bill, or general revenue bills that involve various taxes, including business taxes and income tax. However, this exception does not apply to participation in official activities regarding amendments to the trailer bill if the amendment pertains to matters where the legislator has a conflict of interest. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 14-B:1, 14-C:2, 14-C:4-a
As Amended by the Senate: 14-C:4-a, 14-C:4-b
SB570 text: 14-B:1, 14-C:2, 14-C:4-a