FL S0086

Creates qualified blind trust provisions for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Cabinet members to hold economic interests without conflict of interest, provided they have no knowledge or control over trust assets and trustee meets specified requirements.

Establishes restrictions on communication between covered public officials and trustees, limiting contact to cash distribution requests, general financial needs statements, notifications of prohibited assets, and directions to sell conflicting assets.

Requires legislators to publicly disclose conflicts before consideration of legislation affecting their personal gain or loss, or that of relatives, employers, business associates, or principals by whom they are retained, within 15 days after voting.

Mandates legislators vote on the annual General Appropriations Act and disclose any conflicts related to line-item appropriations contained in that act.

Expands Commission on Ethics investigative authority to initiate investigations based on reliable publicly disseminated information or written referrals from designated officials, in addition to sworn complaints, with confidentiality protections until probable cause determination or dismissal.