AK HB298

Exempts the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics from legislative subpoena requirements and excludes its public members and employees from the ombudsman's jurisdiction

Strengthens whistleblower protections by prohibiting retaliation against anyone reporting suspected ethics violations, not just those who actually report

Requires legislators accepting gifts of $250+ for legislative information purposes to submit documentation (such as meeting agendas) proving the gift's legitimate purpose

Establishes mandatory timelines for ethics complaint processing: 7-day acknowledgment, 10-day preliminary review, and specific hearing windows of 20-90 days after charges

Suspends ethics committee jurisdiction over complaints against candidates during campaign periods (beginning 45 days before primary through election day), unless the candidate waives the suspension