Ethics commissions would publish reports and bar advance subpoena approval

The Legislative Ethics Commission would not be allowed to require its advance approval before the Legislative Inspector General issues a subpoena. The rule applies to subpoenas issued by the Legislative Inspector General under the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Existing Commission rules requiring advance approval before issuing a subpoena would be void as of the stated effective date. The Commission would still make its own subpoenas subject to the law and its discretion. The text gives conflicting effective dates: one passage says immediately, while the formal effective-date section says upon becoming law.

The Executive and Legislative Ethics Commissions would make certain summary reports and responses available to the public within 60 days after receiving them. The rule covers reports from the final authority or agency head that resulted in a suspension of at least three days or termination of employment. The commissions may publish other summary reports and responses. They must redact information that could identify witnesses, complainants, informants, or others whose identities need protection. Respondents, the applicable Inspector General, and the Attorney General may review proposed public documents and suggest redactions or provide a response. The applicable Inspector General or Attorney General may certify that publication would interfere with an ongoing investigation, allowing the commission to withhold the report or response. The 60-day period starts when the commission receives the summary report and response from the final authority or agency head.