GA SB359

Amends the Henry County Board of Commissioners Act (originally approved March 28, 1974) to revise and restate the county's code of ethics, superseding any existing ethics or conflict of interest ordinances

Creates a seven-member Board of Ethics appointed by the Clerk of Superior Court, Judge of Probate Court, Sheriff, Tax Commissioner, and Solicitor-General, with members serving three-year terms and receiving $150 per diem; new board takes office January 1, 2026

Establishes full-time salaried positions for an ethics officer (must be Georgia Bar member with five years' experience) and ethics administrator, both selected by the Board of Ethics and prohibited from political involvement

Prohibits officials and employees from using public office for private gain, accepting gifts over $100 that could influence official duties, disclosing confidential information, and engaging in conflicts of interest; commissioners specifically prohibited from issuing directives to employees who report to the county manager

Violations may result in administrative sanctions up to $1,000 per violation, public reprimand, or prosecution in magistrate court with fines up to $1,000 and up to six months' imprisonment; board of ethics budget capped at $300,000 unless additional funds approved by commissioners