SB267 Summary

• Revises the definition of "minor violation" under ethics laws to increase the threshold from $250 to $1,500 for economic gain or loss, allowing more violations to be treated as minor.

• Increases administrative penalties the State Ethics Commission may impose for minor violations from $1,000 to $6,000, and requires penalties be at least three times any economic loss or gain.

• Allows criminal investigations to be initiated by the Commission upon written request of the director and a four-member vote, with hearings conducted by three judges appointed by the Chief Justice rather than the Commission itself.

• Clarifies that both district courts and circuit courts have jurisdiction over ethics violations and enforcement actions, with venue in the county where the violation occurred or in Montgomery County for violations outside Alabama.

• Requires administrative resolution of minor violations to be approved by the appropriate District Attorney or Attorney General, and bars criminal prosecution when a complaint is handled administratively with all parties' concurrence.