SB 11 Summary

• Amends the 1973 Public Officers and Employees Ethics Act to expand the definition of "public officer" and "employee" to include elected or appointed officials of political subdivisions, not just state appointees.

• Prohibits public officers serving in elected local government positions (including school districts) from using public funds for travel to or expenses at conferences or seminars for the remainder of their term under three conditions: after losing a primary election, after another candidate is elected, or after the filing deadline if term-limited or not running for reelection.

• Updates grammatical language throughout the ethics standards, including standards prohibiting disclosure of confidential information, conflicts of interest, gifts that influence official duties, and outside employment that conflicts with official responsibilities.

• Clarifies that instruction or teaching done outside regularly scheduled working hours does not constitute a prohibited business transaction if the instructor has no direct dealing with or influence over the employing or contracting facility.