AZ HB2623

Changes financial disclosure reporting period for public officers from annual (calendar year) to semi-annual (six-month periods), with filings due at the end of each six-month period instead of January 31.

Increases financial disclosure thresholds: compensation from $1,000 to $1,500; gift reporting from $500 to $250; business/property interests from $1,000 to $1,500; and debt reporting from $1,000 to $1,500.

Requires electronic filing of financial disclosure statements with public availability on the secretary of state's website; establishes electronic filing system standards including compliance with oath/signature requirements.

Eliminates specific categorical reporting requirements for lobbyist expenditures (food/beverages, speaking engagements, travel/lodging, flowers, other) and instead requires description of items/services provided with specific dollar amounts.

Strengthens enforcement by making knowing violations a class 6 felony (instead of class 1 misdemeanor) and reckless violations a class 1 misdemeanor; increases civil penalties from $500 to $1,000 maximum; removes gift ban exceptions related to entertainment at special events.