AN ACT CONCERNING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DUE TO AN EMPLOYER OTHER THAN THE STATE UNDER THE STATE CODE OF ETHICS.

HB 6931 amends the state ethics code to clarify conflicts of interest for public officials and state employees who have a non-state employer (e.g., a private business). It requires elected officials to have actual knowledge of financial gain or loss to their employer for a conflict to exist, rather than just a reasonable belief. Non-elected state employees on regulatory agencies must either recuse themselves from decisions affecting their financial interests or submit a written statement to the Office of State Ethics explaining the conflict and how they will act fairly. This bill directly affects state legislators, agency staff, and others with private-sector jobs who make public decisions.