NC H710

Establishes the State Board of Ethics, Lobbying, and Campaign Finance as an independent agency, consolidating functions from the State Ethics Commission, Secretary of State's lobbying section, and State Board of Elections' campaign finance division.

Creates a six-member board with staggered four-year terms appointed by the Governor (2 members), Speaker of the House (2 members), and President Pro Tempore of the Senate (2 members), with no more than three members from the same political party.

Transfers all powers, duties, personnel, property, and unexpended funds from the State Ethics Commission, lobbying enforcement functions of the Secretary of State, and campaign finance functions of the State Board of Elections to the new consolidated board effective January 1, 2012.

Establishes three director positions (Campaign Finance, Ethics, and Lobbying) and allows the board to employ an executive director; board members must recuse themselves from political activities including making contributions, registering as lobbyists, and soliciting campaign contributions.

Recodifies existing ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance statutes from Chapters 120C, 138A, and 163 into the new Chapter 163A structure, with the board authorized to adopt rules for investigations and hearings within six months of appointment.