ETHICS/CODE: Provides for revisions to the Code of Governmental Ethics

HB 397 revises the Code of Governmental Ethics, directly affecting public servants, including legislators and legislative employees. It redefines what constitutes a "thing of economic value," clarifying exceptions for items like promotional materials, medical samples, and certain food and drink. The bill also establishes new definitions, such as "public speech," and sets specific rules for "reasonable transportation" for legislators and legislative employees, outlining its use for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes with defined geographic limits. Furthermore, it addresses provisions related to payments from nonpublic sources, prohibited contractual arrangements, financial disclosure requirements, and procedures for ethics investigations and penalties.