Bill Summary: SB00035

• Restructures lobbyist registration requirements to include those who lobby within the scope of their employment, with the Office of State Ethics authorized to adopt guidelines distinguishing between employees specifically directed to lobby versus those not specifically directed.

• Requires prospective members of the Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board to sign certifications acknowledging awareness of ethics provisions before taking office and prohibits former board members from representing clients before the board for one year after service ends.

• Expands conflict of interest rules for elected state officials to allow them to vote on matters affecting their outside employers if they file a written statement explaining why they can participate fairly despite the potential conflict.

• Modifies gift definitions and restrictions to expand exclusions for candidates for public office in charitable events and major life events, and requires candidates to receive the same gift protections as public officials.

• Makes State Health Insurance Exchange board members subject to the state ethics code and establishes that board members cannot accept employment with health carriers offering plans through the exchange for one year after service.