Campaign finance: public disclosure; financial disclosure report; require certain state officials to file. Creates new act.
Impact
By implementing this bill, the state will create a structured framework for accountability among its officials, potentially discouraging unethical behavior by increasing the public's access to information regarding the financial dealings of state representatives. The bill also requires that these disclosures are made available to the public on the department's website without charge, which aims to foster a culture of openness. Failure to comply with filing requirements can result in civil fines, reinforcing the obligation imposed on officials under the new law.
Summary
Senate Bill 381, referred to as the 'Turks and Caicos Act,' aims to enhance transparency in political activity by mandating specific financial disclosure requirements for state officials. The bill requires state officials including members of the legislature, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and department heads to file annual financial disclosure reports starting September 1, 2024. These reports will include detailed information about income, gifts received, and significant expenses related to travel and lodging exceeding a specified amount.
Contention
While supporters argue that SB 381 is a necessary step toward reducing corruption and increasing public trust in government, some may view the legislation as an imposition that could hinder the private lives of state officials. The bill defines 'gifts' and sets thresholds, such as $50 for reporting purposes, which could lead to discussions about the appropriateness of certain gifts and the potential overregulation of personal interactions. Additionally, the implications around defining what constitutes a lobbyist and their interactions with state officials may create areas of contention during legislative discussions.
Campaign finance: statements and reports; financial disclosure reports; require certain public officers to file. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0614'23
Campaign finance: statements and reports; financial disclosure reports; require certain public officers to file. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5273'23
Public employees and officers: ethics; financial disclosure reports; require members of the governing boards of certain state universities to file. Creates new act.
Campaign finance: statements and reports; financial disclosure reports; require certain candidates for office to file. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0613'23
Public employees and officers: ethics; lobbyists or lobbyist agents giving or purchasing food or beverages for legislators; prohibit. Amends secs. 3, 5, 8, 9 & 11 of 1978 PA 472 (MCL 4.413 et seq.).
A concurrent resolution relating to the joint rules governing lobbyists of the Senate and House of Representatives for the Ninety-first General Assembly.(See SCR 1.)