Candidates and state appointees file interest statements online

The enrolled text requires candidates and certain appointees to file statements that cover their spouses. The rules cover candidates for elective office and people the governor appoints to state agencies, boards, bureaus, commissions, departments, and occupational or professional licensing boards. Statements cover the filer and the filer’s spouse. A candidate who filed after a primary election need not file again before the following general election. A write-in candidate who is not required to file candidacy paperwork files after election when filing the oath of office. Candidates file with the required nomination, endorsement, or write-in paperwork. Appointees file when their appointment is announced.

Filers report certain sales to public bodies when the filer or spouse has a qualifying ownership stake. The rule covers sales to political subdivisions, state agencies, or state departments by the filer or the filer’s spouse. Sales must total more than $5,000 in the preceding calendar year. The sale must be through an employer in which the filer or spouse owns at least 10%, or through a business or trust in which they own at least 10% and that is directly related to the office’s duties. The statement covers sales made in the preceding calendar year.

The secretary of state publishes statements filed with that office online and keeps filed statements for set periods. The online publication duty applies to statements filed with the secretary of state. Statements are available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours; a reasonable copying fee may be charged. Keep statements through the elected or appointed person’s term or until a new statement is filed. Keep statements from candidates who are not elected or appointed for one year after receipt.