Legislative watchdog could subpoena witnesses and release reports

The Legislative Inspector General would be able to issue subpoenas without advance approval from the Legislative Ethics Commission. This authority applies to the Legislative Inspector General. Subpoenas could require witnesses to testify or provide documents and other items for inspection or copying.

The Legislative Inspector General would make certain investigation reports and responses public. The reports concern possible violations of the State ethics law or other wrongful acts within the Inspector General's jurisdiction. The report must concern a possible ethics violation or other wrongful act within the Inspector General's jurisdiction that led to a suspension of at least 3 days or a job termination. Other summary reports and responses could also be made public without advance Commission approval. Reports may be redacted to protect identities or other information. Publication may be withheld if the Inspector General or Attorney General certifies that it would interfere with an ongoing investigation. Required reports would be made public within 60 days after the Legislative Ethics Commission receives the report and response.

Each appointing authority would have to appoint at least one commissioner from the general public. The rule applies to each authority that appoints members to the Legislative Ethics Commission.