AK HB195

Requires legislators to abstain from voting on questions affecting an enterprise where the legislator or immediate family member has a substantial financial interest, if the effect on that interest exceeds the effect on a substantial class of persons in their profession, occupation, industry, or region.

Prohibits legislators from taking or withholding official action or exerting official influence that could substantially benefit or harm another person's financial interest when the legislator is employed by, negotiating employment with, or has received more than $10,000 in income within the preceding 12 months from that person, except during public discussion or debate.

Adds definition of "financial interest" to mean ownership of or involvement in a business, property, or professional relationship that is a source of income or from which a person has received or expects to receive financial benefit.

Permits legislators to vote on appropriation bills meeting Executive Budget Act requirements notwithstanding the conflict of interest restrictions.

Takes effect conditionally only if the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature are amended to allow members to request abstention from voting when they believe doing so would violate the Legislative Ethics Act, with abstention approved by majority vote.