Bill Summary: Connecticut HB 483 - State Codes of Ethics Revisions

• Expands gift exemptions to include major life event gifts up to $1,000 from non-family members, gifts under $10 with annual aggregate limit of $50, and gifts at charitable/civic events excluding lodging and travel.

• Defines "confidential information" as information required by state/federal law not to be disclosed or falling under Freedom of Information Act permissible non-disclosure categories.

• Requires ethics enforcement officer to be a member of the Connecticut bar; allows officer to represent Office of State Ethics before Superior Court in appeals, provided the board is not a party.

• Extends contracting restrictions to quasi-public agencies; prohibits public officials, employees, and their immediate family from entering state or quasi-public agency contracts valued at $100+ unless awarded through open and public process.

• Changes board decision timeline from 15 days to 45 days to publish findings after public hearings on ethics violations; requires unanimous disqualification of board members who were not physically present for entire hearing.