The bill amends various sections of Vermont's statutes regarding the procedure for accepting and referring complaints related to governmental ethics and campaign finance laws. Key changes include the Executive Director's responsibility to conduct preliminary reviews of complaints and refer them to relevant entities, including the Commission itself. The bill also introduces a new provision requiring the Executive Director to specify any likely unethical conduct in referred complaints and mandates that entities receiving these complaints consult with the Commission regarding the application of the State Code of Ethics. Additionally, the confidentiality of complaints and related documents is reinforced, with specific exemptions from public inspection under the Public Records Act.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the effective dates for its provisions, with certain sections taking effect on September 1, 2025, and others on September 1, 2027. It also clarifies that the act will supersede conflicting provisions from previous legislation. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the process of handling complaints about unethical conduct in state government while ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-1223), 3-1223
As Passed By the House -- Official: 3-1223), 3-1223
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 3-1223
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 3-1223), 3-1223, 3-1231
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 3-1223, 3-1231
As Enacted: 3-1223, 3-1231