This bill aims to enhance legislative oversight and protect against conflicts of interest within state government. It amends existing laws to empower the Government Operations and Audit Committee with expanded subpoena and discovery authority, including the requirement for specified return dates for subpoenas and the preservation of materials by subjects of subpoenas. Additionally, it introduces provisions that allow the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to exercise similar oversight powers. The bill also establishes protections for employees and contractors who cooperate with audits or investigations, prohibiting retaliatory actions against them and allowing for civil actions in cases of violations.

Furthermore, the bill strengthens penalties for conflicts of interest among public officials. It redefines the consequences of knowingly violating lobbying restrictions and introduces new classifications of criminal conflicts of interest, including both direct and indirect violations. The penalties for such violations are elevated to felonies in certain circumstances, and the bill mandates restitution and disgorgement of benefits obtained through misconduct. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure greater accountability and integrity in state governance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/28/2026: 2-6-4, 2-12-8.2, 22-30A-46