HB 285 Summary

• Authorizes the Commission on Ethics to acquire liens on real and personal property to enforce fines imposed by its final orders, with liens filed through the Department of State.

• Prohibits state public officers holding appointive positions and county/municipal officers from voting on matters that would financially benefit them, their principals, relatives, or business associates; requires public disclosure before voting.

• Allows state public officers holding elective office to vote on such matters but requires written disclosure of interests within 15 days after the vote.

• Expands Commission authority to initiate investigations based on written referrals from the Governor, Chief Financial Officer, state attorneys, or law enforcement when seven Commission members deem the referral sufficient.

• Modifies early learning coalition requirements regarding member composition, terms not exceeding 4 years, and voting conflict disclosures for coalition members; effective July 1, 2013.