An upgrade to criminal charges that can be filed for a conflict of interest crime has climbed to the governor’s desk.

 

House Judiciary committee members and Representatives passed Senate Bill 27, which prohibits public officials from misusing their position for personal gain, provides a penalty therefor and implements a grievance process for reporting misuse.

 

SB 27 defines a public official as an elected official, appointed official, officer, employee, authority member, board member, commission member, fiscal agent or executive of a local service agency and would include individuals filling the positions listed previously in school districts.

 

The bill also removes a condition of presumed probation for perpetrators and institutes an anti-retaliation grievance process designed to promote employees of public officials to come forward with information on the possible misuse of power and resources.

 

ASBSD was monitoring the bill.

 

For updates on legislative session and passed bills, check the ASBSD Blog, Twitter feed and Bill Tracker.