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 a preliminary review of complaints and refer them to relevant entities, including the Commission itself. The bill also introduces a new provision that requires 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 outlined for public records.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a timeline for the effective dates of these amendments, with certain sections taking effect on September 1, 2025, and others on September 1, 2027. It also clarifies that any advice provided by the Commission regarding referred complaints will be confidential and nonbinding. The intent of these changes is to enhance the process of handling complaints while protecting the reputations of public servants and ensuring transparency in cases of unethical conduct.

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