HB 4177 Summary

• Creates the office of government accountability within the legislative council, headed by a government accountability officer appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the council.

• Government accountability officer shall investigate complaints of wrongdoing by public bodies within 30 business days, including violations of law, gross mismanagement of public funds, dangers to public health or safety, and data falsification.

• Public bodies must provide the government accountability officer access to all relevant information, records, documents, and premises without requiring any release or advance notice.

• Officer must maintain confidentiality of complainant identity and correspondence, which are exempt from freedom of information act disclosure and not discoverable in legal proceedings.

• Prohibits adverse employment action against complainants or cooperating witnesses, and establishes criminal penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment or $5,000 fine for hindering the officer's lawful actions or refusing compliance with office demands.