CS/CS/HB 7007 - Ethics Reform Summary

• Repeals restrictions on state employee lobbyists and establishes comprehensive sexual harassment policies for state agencies, Legislature, and Supreme Court with investigation and disciplinary procedures.

• Prohibits use of campaign funds for ethics, disciplinary, or legal expenses arising from public service and restricts elected officials from using their names/images in public service announcements during election periods.

• Establishes conflict-of-interest restrictions preventing public officers and employees from soliciting prohibited employment or contractual relationships with entities they regulate, with required disclosures to the Commission on Ethics.

• Restricts legislators and statewide elected officers from soliciting employment offers or investment advice from lobbyists and principals during their terms, with disclosure requirements for certain employment acceptances.

• Creates a Task Force on Prevention of Sexual Harassment to study harassment policies, reviews agency assessments, and examines best practices; establishes misdemeanor penalties for knowingly making false sexual harassment reports.