HB 1853 Summary

• Changes gifts disclosure statement filing deadline from "on" to "no later than" June 30 each year and adjusts the reporting period to June 1 through May 31.

• Clarifies that gift disclosure requirements apply to any individual who was a legislator or employee for any portion of the reporting period.

• Changes financial disclosure statement retention period from "during the term of office" plus six years to a flat six-year retention period, after which statements must be destroyed.

• Allows the State Ethics Commission to refer ethics investigation matters to other governmental law enforcement agencies on a confidential basis.

• Removes mandatory January timing requirement for ethics training courses and eliminates the specific two-hour minimum length requirement, giving the commission flexibility to repeat courses as needed.

• Clarifies that personal residences (plural) do not require street address and tax map key disclosure in financial interest statements.