Public Act No. 21-164 Summary

• Redefines "gift" under Connecticut ethics laws to exclude specific items including food/beverage under certain value thresholds ($50 for legislative receptions, $50 in aggregate per year), charitable event admissions, and employer-provided benefits customarily given to employees.

• Expands the definition of "quasi-public agency" to include the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority.

• Adds new enforcement procedures requiring judges trial referees to preside over ethics violation hearings with two-thirds board vote required for violations, and extends decision timeline from 15 to 45 days.

• Establishes stricter post-employment restrictions on state officials and employees from regulated industries, particularly those in Consumer Protection roles, with one to two-year cooling-off periods before accepting employment with regulated entities.

• Requires agencies to electronically submit designations of positions subject to conflict-of-interest restrictions on or before November 1, 2021, and annually thereafter, shifting from regulatory adoption to agency submission procedures.