CT HB06670

Establishes an Office of State Ethics within the Office of Governmental Accountability, consisting of an executive director, general counsel, ethics enforcement officer, and supporting staff, effective October 1, 2015.

Revises term limits for Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board members appointed on or after October 1, 2014, to serve four-year terms with a prohibition on serving more than one four-year term, unless a successor is not appointed within 180 days of expiration.

Extends the definition of prohibited state contracts to include quasi-public agencies, requiring contracts valued at $100 or more to go through an open and public bidding process unless exempted.

Modifies ethics rules for public officials and state employees to allow reimbursement for lodging, out-of-state travel, and food/beverage expenses from activity sponsors, with reporting requirements to the Office of State Ethics within 30 days.

Applies consultant and independent contractor ethics restrictions to both state and quasi-public agency contracts, prohibiting the use of authority or confidential information for personal financial gain and preventing conflicts of interest.