CT HB06273

Establishes the Office of State Ethics as an independent state agency and successor to the State Ethics Commission, effective October 1, 2011.

Restructures the Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board to consist of nine members with staggered terms: two or three members appointed by the Governor, two by Senate leadership, two by House leadership, and three by other legislative leaders.

Imposes strict ethical requirements on board members and Office of State Ethics employees including prohibitions on political campaign participation, contributions to public officials or candidates, and representation before the board for one year after service.

Requires board members to recuse themselves from proceedings involving the person who appointed them and prohibits former members from holding state employment for one year after service.

Modifies enforcement language to clarify that violations found by the Office of State Ethics may result in designation as a nonresponsible bidder and requires public officials to "knowingly" counsel or sanction violations.