Researcher: LRH Page 1 4/4/24
OLR Bill Analysis
HB 5407
AN ACT DEFINING "DEPENDENT CHILD" FOR PURPOSES OF THE
STATE CODE OF ETHICS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND
CONCERNING THE EXERCISE OF JURISDICTION OVER
NONRESIDENTS BY THE OFFICE OF STATE ETHICS.
SUMMARY
This bill defines a “dependent child” in the state’s Code of Ethics for
Public Officials as a covered official’s son, daughter, or stepchild who
qualifies as the official’s dependent child under federal tax law.
Generally, to qualify as a dependent child under federal tax law, a child
must (1) share a principal residence with the official; (2) be under age 19
or 24, if a student; (3) have provided for less than half of their own
support for the year; and (4) not have filed a joint return with their
spouse.
Although the Code of Ethics currently does not define a “dependent
child,” under it public officials have a substantial conflict of interest if
their dependent child will get a direct monetary gain or suffer a direct
monetary loss because of their official activity (unless it accrues to the
child as a member of a profession, occupation, or group to no greater
extent than other members of that profession, occupation, or group)
(CGS § 1-85). Officials must also include certain information about their
dependent children in the statements of financial interest they must file
(CGS § 1-83).
The bill also specifies that the Office of State Ethics’ (OSE) long-arm
jurisdiction over out-of-state residents or their agents is limited to those
who (1) pay money or give anything of value to a public official or state
employee to obtain a competitive advantage, solicit non-public
information, or unduly influence the award of certain state contracts or
(2) are, or are seeking to become, prequalified state contractors or
substantial subcontractors. 2024HB-05407-R000288-BA.DOCX
Researcher: LRH Page 2 4/4/24
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2024, except that the provision on
OSE’s long-arm jurisdiction is effective upon passage.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Government Administration and Elections Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 19 Nay 0 (03/15/2024)