HB 7327 - Summary

• Expands the definition of "gift" to include 19 specific exemptions covering items like charitable event admissions, major life event gifts up to $1,000, training provided by vendors, and food/beverage under $50 at legislative receptions.

• Establishes a new definition of "confidential information" as information the state is required not to disclose or that falls within Freedom of Information Act exemptions that agencies have decided not to disclose.

• Creates an enforcement division within the Office of State Ethics supervised by an ethics enforcement officer (who must be a bar member) to investigate complaints, with authority to represent the Office before Superior Court.

• Increases the timeframe for the ethics board to publish findings after public hearings from 15 days to 45 days and requires judge trial referees to preside over violation hearings with a two-thirds board vote needed for findings of violation.

• Adds oversight committees at each public institution of higher education to monitor consulting agreements and research projects by faculty members with external entities, with annual audits and reporting requirements to General Assembly committees.

• Takes effect October 1, 2019, except for a lobbyist registration credit card fees account provision effective July 1, 2019.