HB1149

To Prohibit Gifts From Lobbyists To Cabinet-level Department Secretaries; To Amend The Law Concerning The Arkansas Ethics Commission; And To Amend The Law Resulting From Initiated Act 1 Of 1988.

Introduced

Last Action (Jan. 17, 2023): WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1149 amends Arkansas state law to prohibit cabinet-level department secretaries from knowingly soliciting or accepting gifts from lobbyists, individuals acting on behalf of lobbyists, or those employing or contracting with lobbyists. The bill specifically lists fifteen cabinet-level departments, including agencies like the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the Department of Public Safety. Violations of this prohibition are classified as Class B misdemeanors. The Arkansas Ethics Commission is granted authority to implement rules, issue advisory opinions, and investigate potential violations of this section. The bill also includes an affirmative defense for individuals who unintentionally accept a gift, provided they return the item or pay its fair market value within thirty days of discovery. Additionally, the legislation updates definitions related to ethics laws and lobbying to incorporate these new prohibitions.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are the citizens of Arkansas, who may experience increased transparency and reduced potential for conflicts of interest within the executive branch. By restricting the flow of gifts between lobbyists and high-level decision-makers, the bill aims to enhance public trust in government impartiality and prevent undue influence on policy actions.

Who Might Suffer?

The entities most directly impacted are cabinet-level department secretaries, who will face stricter ethical constraints and potential criminal or disciplinary consequences if they solicit or accept gifts prohibited under this act. Additionally, professional lobbyists and the organizations they represent will be negatively affected, as they will be restricted from providing gifts or gratuities to these specific state officials, thereby limiting certain traditional methods of cultivating professional relationships.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us