Government Efficiency and Ethics Commission establishment to investigate allegations of fraud in state programs and undisclosed legislative conflicts of interest and appropriation

SF 2897 establishes a Commission on Government Efficiency and Ethics to investigate fraud in state programs and undisclosed legislative conflicts of interest. The commission, made up of six citizen members appointed by legislative leaders, will operate a public hotline and website for anonymous reports on fraud or conflicts, and may award up to $5,000 for reports leading to convictions or expulsions. It can order forensic audits of state agencies and require cooperation from public officials and entities handling public funds during investigations. The commission must report credible evidence of fraud to law enforcement and disclose conflict of interest findings to relevant legislative committees, with annual recommendations for preventing future issues. This bill directly affects state agencies, public officials, and legislators by creating new oversight mechanisms for accountability.