SB 1702 - Ethics Reform

• Repeals section 11.061 relating to state employee lobbyists and creates new section 106.114 prohibiting governmental entities and elected officials from using an elected official's name, image, or likeness in public service announcements paid with public funds or donated media time from the date they qualify as a candidate through the day after election.

• Amends section 112.313 to prohibit public officers and employees from soliciting prohibited employment or contractual relationships with entities subject to their agency's regulation, requiring disclosure of such offers to agency leadership or the Commission on Ethics.

• Creates section 112.3181 to prohibit statewide elected officers and legislators from soliciting employment offers or investment advice arising from official or political activities, with limited exceptions for the last 180 days of term or in previously practiced professions; requires disclosure of certain new employment to the Commission on Ethics.

• Amends section 112.3185 to prohibit covered officers and reporting employees hired on or after July 1, 2019, from soliciting or negotiating employment with restricted employers, except within 90 days of leaving office or with agency authorization.

• Amends section 112.3215 to require electronic lobbyist registration, reduce registration fees from $40 to $20 per principal, and authorize the Commission on Ethics to dismiss complaints or investigations when the public interest is not served; effective July 1, 2019.