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S.B. 180 Enrolled

             1     

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ETHICS AMENDMENTS

             2     
2012 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Curtis S. Bramble

             5     
House Sponsor: Francis D. Gibson

             6      Cosponsor:John L. Valentine              7     
             8      LONG TITLE
             9      General Description:
             10          This bill enacts language related to a political subdivision officer or employee ethics
             11      violation.
             12      Highlighted Provisions:
             13          This bill:
             14          .    authorizes a municipality to establish a municipal ethics commission;
             15          .    enacts general provisions;
             16          .    defines terms;
             17          .    authorizes a political subdivision to establish an ethics commission within the
             18      political subdivision or by interlocal agreement;
             19          .    enacts provisions related to the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission
             20      (Commission);
             21          .    enacts provisions related to general powers and procedures;
             22          .    enacts provisions related to a hearing on an ethics complaint;
             23          .    enacts provisions related to an ethics complaint;
             24          .    enacts provisions related to a review of an ethics complaint for compliance;
             25          .    enacts provisions related to the commission's preliminary review and review of an
             26      ethics violation;
             27          .    authorizes a county to establish a county ethics commission;
             28          .    amends provisions related to a closed public meeting;


             29          .    amends provisions related to a private record;
             30          .    removes a county from the authority of Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers'
             31      and Employees' Ethics Act;
             32          .    enacts language related to filing a complaint for a violation of Title 67, Chapter 16,
             33      Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act; and
             34          .    makes technical corrections.
             35      Money Appropriated in this Bill:
             36          None
             37      Other Special Clauses:
             38          This bill takes effect on September 1, 2012.
             39      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             40      AMENDS:
             41          10-3-1311, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1981, Chapter 57
             42          17-16a-11, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1983, Chapter 46
             43          52-4-204, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapters 35 and 239
             44          63G-2-302, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapters 85, 327, and 413
             45          67-16-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 382
             46          67-16-4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 382
             47      ENACTS:
             48          11-49-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             49          11-49-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             50          11-49-103, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             51          11-49-201, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             52          11-49-202, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             53          11-49-301, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             54          11-49-302, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             55          11-49-401, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             56          11-49-402, Utah Code Annotated 1953


             57          11-49-403, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             58          11-49-404, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             59          11-49-405, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             60          11-49-406, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             61          11-49-407, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             62          11-49-408, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             63          11-49-501, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             64          11-49-502, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             65          11-49-601, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             66          11-49-602, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             67          11-49-603, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             68          11-49-604, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             69          11-49-701, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             70          11-49-702, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             71          11-49-703, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             72          11-49-704, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             73          11-49-705, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             74          11-49-706, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             75          67-16-15, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             76     
             77      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             78          Section 1. Section 10-3-1311 is amended to read:
             79           10-3-1311. Municipal ethics commission -- Complaints charging violations.
             80          [(1) Any complaint against a person who is under the merit system, charging that
             81      person with a violation of this part, shall be filed and processed in accordance with the
             82      provisions of the merit system.]
             83          [(2) If the person charged with the violation is not under any merit system, then the
             84      complaint shall be filed with the mayor or city manager. The mayor or city manager shall


             85      investigate the complaint and shall give the person an opportunity to be heard. A written report
             86      of the findings and the recommendation of the mayor or city manager shall be filed with the
             87      governing body. If the governing body finds that the person has violated this part, it may
             88      dismiss, suspend, or take such other appropriate action with respect to the person.]
             89          (1) A municipality may establish by ordinance an ethics commission to review a
             90      complaint against an officer or employee subject to this part for a violation of a provision of
             91      this part.
             92          (2) (a) A person filing a complaint for a violation of this part shall file the complaint:
             93          (i) with the municipal ethics commission, if a municipality has established a municipal
             94      ethics commission in accordance with Subsection (1); or
             95          (ii) with the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission in accordance with
             96      Title 11, Chapter 49, Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission, if the municipality has
             97      not established a municipal ethics commission.
             98          (b) A municipality that receives a complaint described in Subsection (2)(a) may:
             99          (i) accept the complaint if the municipality has established a municipal ethics
             100      commission in accordance with Subsection (1); or
             101          (ii) forward the complaint to the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission
             102      established in Section 11-49-201 :
             103          (A) regardless of whether the municipality has established a municipal ethics
             104      commission; or
             105          (B) if the municipality has not established a municipal ethics commission.
             106          (3) If the alleged ethics complaint is against a person who is a member of the municipal
             107      ethics commission, the complaint shall be filed with or forwarded to the Political Subdivisions
             108      Ethics Review Commission.
             109          Section 2. Section 11-49-101 is enacted to read:
             110     
CHAPTER 49. POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION

             111     
Part 1. General Provisions

             112          11-49-101. Title.


             113          This chapter is known as "Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission."
             114          Section 3. Section 11-49-102 is enacted to read:
             115          11-49-102. Definitions.
             116          (1) "Commission" means the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission
             117      established in Section 11-49-201 .
             118          (2) "Complainant" means a person who files a complaint in accordance with Section
             119      11-49-501 .
             120          (3) "Ethics violation" means a violation of:
             121          (a) Title 10, Chapter 3, Part 13, Municipal Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act;
             122          (b) Title 17, Chapter 16a, County Officers and Employees Disclosure Act; or
             123          (c) Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act.
             124          (4) "Local political subdivision ethics commission" means an ethics commission
             125      established by a political subdivision within the political subdivision or with another political
             126      subdivision by interlocal agreement in accordance with Section 11-49-103 .
             127          (5) "Political subdivision" means a county, municipality, school district, community
             128      development and renewal agency, local district, special service district, an entity created by an
             129      interlocal agreement adopted under Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal Cooperation Act, a local
             130      building authority, or any other governmental subdivision or public corporation.
             131          (6) (a) "Political subdivision employee" means a person who is:
             132          (i) (A) in a municipality, employed as a city manager or non-elected chief executive on
             133      a full or part-time basis; or
             134          (B) employed as the non-elected chief executive by a political subdivision other than a
             135      municipality on a full or part-time basis; and
             136          (ii) subject to:
             137          (A) Title 10, Chapter 3, Part 13, Municipal Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act;
             138          (B) Title 17, Chapter 16a, County Officers and Employees Disclosure Act; or
             139          (C) Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act.
             140          (b) "Political subdivision employee" does not include:


             141          (i) a person who is a political subdivision officer;
             142          (ii) an employee of a state entity; or
             143          (iii) a legislative employee as defined in Section 67-16-3 .
             144          (7) "Political subdivision governing body" means:
             145          (a) for a county, the county legislative body as defined in Section 68-3-12.5 ;
             146          (b) for a municipality, the council of the city or town;
             147          (c) for a school district, the local board of education described in Section 53A-3-101 ;
             148          (d) for a community development and renewal agency, the agency board described in
             149      Section 17C-1-203 ;
             150          (e) for a local district, the board of trustees described in Section 17B-1-301 ;
             151          (f) for a special service district:
             152          (i) the legislative body of the county, city, or town that established the special service
             153      district, if no administrative control board has been appointed under Section 17D-1-301 ; or
             154          (ii) the administrative control board of the special service district, if an administrative
             155      control board has been appointed under Section 17D-1-301 ;
             156          (g) for an entity created by an interlocal agreement, the governing body of an interlocal
             157      entity, as defined in Section 11-13-103 ;
             158          (h) for a local building authority, the governing body, as defined in Section 17D-2-102 ,
             159      that creates the local building authority; or
             160          (i) for any other governmental subdivision or public corporation, the board or other
             161      body authorized to make executive and management decisions for the subdivision or public
             162      corporation.
             163          (8) (a) "Political subdivision officer" means a person elected in a political subdivision
             164      who is subject to:
             165          (i) Title 10, Chapter 3, Part 13, Municipal Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act;
             166          (ii) Title 17, Chapter 16a, County Officers and Employees Disclosure Act; or
             167          (iii) Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act.
             168          (b) "Political subdivision officer" does not include:


             169          (i) a person elected or appointed to a state entity;
             170          (ii) the governor;
             171          (iii) the lieutenant governor;
             172          (iv) a member or member-elect of either house of the Legislature; or
             173          (v) a member of Utah's congressional delegation.
             174          (9) "Respondent" means a person who files a response in accordance with Section
             175      11-49-604 .
             176          Section 4. Section 11-49-103 is enacted to read:
             177          11-49-103. Local ethics commission permitted -- Filing requirements.
             178          (1) A political subdivision, other than a municipality described in Section 10-3-1311 or
             179      a county described in Section 17-16a-11 , may establish a local political subdivision ethics
             180      commission within the political subdivision to review a complaint against a political
             181      subdivision officer or employee subject to Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers' and
             182      Employees' Ethics Act.
             183          (2) A political subdivision may enter into an interlocal agreement with another political
             184      subdivision, in accordance with Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal Cooperation Act, to establish a
             185      local political subdivision ethics commission to review a complaint against a political
             186      subdivision officer or employee subject to Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers' and
             187      Employees' Ethics Act.
             188          (3) (a) A person filing a complaint for an ethics violation of Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah
             189      Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act, shall file the complaint with:
             190          (i) a local political subdivision ethics commission, if the political subdivision has
             191      established a local political subdivision ethics commission under Subsection (1) or (2); or
             192          (ii) the commission if the political subdivision has not established a local political
             193      subdivision ethics commission.
             194          (b) A political subdivision that receives a complaint described in Subsection (3)(a)
             195      may:
             196          (i) accept the complaint if the political subdivision has established a local political


             197      subdivision ethics commission in accordance with Subsection (1) or (2); or
             198          (ii) forward the complaint to the commission:
             199          (A) regardless of whether the political subdivision has established a local political
             200      subdivision ethics commission; or
             201          (B) if the political subdivision has not established a local political subdivision ethics
             202      commission.
             203          Section 5. Section 11-49-201 is enacted to read:
             204     
Part 2. Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission

             205          11-49-201. Commission established -- Membership.
             206          (1) There is established a Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission.
             207          (2) The commission is composed of seven persons, each of whom is registered to vote
             208      in this state and appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, as
             209      follows:
             210          (a) one member who has served, but no longer serves, as a judge of a court of record in
             211      this state;
             212          (b) one member who has served as a mayor or municipal council member no more
             213      recently than four years before the date of appointment;
             214          (c) one member who has served as a member of a local board of education no more
             215      recently than four years before the date of appointment;
             216          (d) two members who are lay persons; and
             217          (e) two members, each of whom is one of the following:
             218          (i) a municipal mayor no more recently than four years before the date of appointment;
             219          (ii) a municipal council member no more recently than four years before the date of
             220      appointment;
             221          (iii) a county mayor no more recently than four years before the date of appointment;
             222          (iv) a county commissioner no more recently than four years before the date of
             223      appointment;
             224          (v) a special service district administrative control board member no more recently


             225      than four years before the date of appointment;
             226          (vi) a local district board of trustees member no more recently than four years before
             227      the date of appointment; or
             228          (vii) a judge who has served, but no longer serves, as a judge of a court of record in
             229      this state.
             230          (3) A member of the commission may not, during the member's term of office on the
             231      commission, act or serve as:
             232          (a) a political subdivision officer;
             233          (b) a political subdivision employee;
             234          (c) an agency head as defined in Section 67-16-3 ;
             235          (d) a lobbyist as defined in Section 36-11-102 ; or
             236          (e) a principal as defined in Section 36-11-102 .
             237          (4) (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(a)(ii), each member of the commission
             238      shall serve a four-year term.
             239          (ii) When appointing the initial members upon formation of the commission, a member
             240      described in Subsections (2)(b) through (d) shall be appointed to a two-year term so that
             241      approximately half of the commission is appointed every two years.
             242          (b) (i) When a vacancy occurs in the commission's membership for any reason, a
             243      replacement member shall be appointed for the unexpired term of the vacating member using
             244      the procedures and requirements of Subsection (2).
             245          (ii) For the purposes of this section, an appointment for an unexpired term of a
             246      vacating member is not considered a full term.
             247          (c) A member may not be appointed to serve for more than two full terms, whether
             248      those terms are two or four years.
             249          (d) A member of the commission may resign from the commission by giving one
             250      month's written notice of the resignation to the governor.
             251          (e) The governor shall remove a member from the commission if the member:
             252          (i) is convicted of, or enters a plea of guilty to, a crime involving moral turpitude;


             253          (ii) enters a plea of no contest or a plea in abeyance to a crime involving moral
             254      turpitude; or
             255          (iii) fails to meet the qualifications of office as provided in this section.
             256          (f) If a commission member is accused of wrongdoing in a complaint, or if a
             257      commission member determines that the commission member has a conflict of interest in
             258      relation to a complaint, a temporary commission member shall be appointed to serve in that
             259      member's place for the purposes of reviewing that complaint using the procedures and
             260      requirements of Subsection (2).
             261          (5) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(b)(i), a member of the commission may
             262      not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service.
             263          (b) (i) A member may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of
             264      the member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections
             265      63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             266          (ii) A member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the member's service.
             267          (6) (a) The commission members shall convene a meeting annually each January and
             268      elect, by a majority vote, a commission chair from among the commission members.
             269          (b) A person may not serve as chair for more than two consecutive years.
             270          Section 6. Section 11-49-202 is enacted to read:
             271          11-49-202. Meetings -- Staff.
             272          (1) The commission shall meet for the purpose of reviewing an ethics complaint when:
             273          (a) except otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, called to meet at the discretion
             274      of the chair; or
             275          (b) a majority of members agree to meet.
             276          (2) A majority of the commission is a quorum.
             277          (3) (a) The commission shall prepare, on an annual basis, a summary data report that
             278      contains:
             279          (i) a general description of the activities of the commission during the past year;
             280          (ii) the number of ethics complaints filed with the commission;


             281          (iii) the number of ethics complaints dismissed in accordance with Section 11-49-602 ;
             282          (iv) the number of ethics complaints reviewed by the commission in accordance with
             283      Section 11-49-701 ;
             284          (v) an executive summary of each complaint review in accordance with Section
             285      11-49-701 ; and
             286          (vi) an accounting of the commission's budget and expenditures.
             287          (b) The summary data report shall be submitted to the Government Operations and
             288      Political Subdivisions Interim Committee on an annual basis.
             289          (c) The summary data report shall be a public record.
             290          (4) (a) The Senate and the House of Representatives shall employ staff for the
             291      commission at a level that is reasonable to assist the commission in performing its duties as
             292      established in this chapter.
             293          (b) The Legislative Management Committee shall:
             294          (i) authorize each staff position for the commission; and
             295          (ii) approve the employment of each staff member for the commission.
             296          (c) Staff for the commission shall work only for the commission and may not perform
             297      services for the Senate, House of Representatives, other legislative offices, or a political
             298      subdivision.
             299          (5) A meeting held by the commission is subject to Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and
             300      Public Meetings Act, unless otherwise provided.
             301          Section 7. Section 11-49-301 is enacted to read:
             302     
Part 3. General Powers and Procedures

             303          11-49-301. Authority to review complaint -- Grounds for complaint -- Limitations
             304      on filings.
             305          (1) Subject to the requirements of this chapter and Section 10-3-1311 or 17-16a-11 , the
             306      commission is authorized to review an ethics complaint against a political subdivision officer
             307      or employee if the complaint alleges:
             308          (a) if the applicable political subdivision is a municipality, an ethics violation of Title


             309      10, Chapter 3, Part 13, Municipal Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act by:
             310          (i) a city manager or non-elected chief executive; or
             311          (ii) an elected officer, as defined in Section 10-3-1303 ;
             312          (b) if the applicable political subdivision is a county, an ethics violation of Title 17,
             313      Chapter 16a, County Officers and Employees Disclosure Act by:
             314          (i) an appointed officer, as defined in Section 17-16a-3 ;
             315          (ii) an elected officer, as defined in Section 17-16a-3 ; or
             316          (iii) an employee subject to Title 17, Chapter 16a, County Officers and Employees
             317      Disclosure Act; or
             318          (c) for a political subdivision officer or employee other than a municipal officer or
             319      employee described in Subsection (1)(a) or a county officer or employee described in
             320      Subsection (1)(b), an ethics violation of Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers' and
             321      Employees' Ethics Act.
             322          (2) A complaint described in Subsection (1) shall be filed in accordance with the time
             323      limit provisions, if any, of the applicable part or chapter.
             324          (3) (a) A complaint may not contain an allegation if that allegation and the general
             325      facts and circumstances supporting that allegation have been previously reviewed by a
             326      municipal ethics commission established under Section 10-3-1311 , a county ethics commission
             327      established under Section 17-16a-11 , or a local political subdivision ethics commission
             328      established under Section 11-49-103 , as applicable, or the commission unless:
             329          (i) the allegation was previously reviewed and dismissed by the commission under
             330      Section 11-49-602 or 11-49-701 ;
             331          (ii) the allegation is accompanied by material facts or circumstances supporting the
             332      allegation that were not raised or pled to the commission; and
             333          (iii) the allegation and the general facts and circumstances supporting that allegation
             334      have only been reviewed by the commission in accordance with Section 11-49-701 on one
             335      previous occasion.
             336          (b) The commission may not review a complaint that is currently before:


             337          (i) a municipal ethics commission established under Section 10-3-1311 ;
             338          (ii) a county ethics commission established under Section 17-16a-11 ; or
             339          (iii) a local political subdivision ethics commission established under Section
             340      11-49-103 .
             341          (c) If an allegation in the complaint does not comply with the requirements of
             342      Subsection (3)(a) or (b), the allegation shall be summarily dismissed with prejudice by:
             343          (i) the chair when reviewing the complaint under Section 11-49-601 ; or
             344          (ii) the commission, when reviewing the complaint under Section 11-49-602 or
             345      11-49-701 .
             346          Section 8. Section 11-49-302 is enacted to read:
             347          11-49-302. General powers -- Jurisdiction.
             348          (1) The commission has jurisdiction only over an individual who is a political
             349      subdivision officer or employee.
             350          (2) The commission shall dismiss an ethics complaint if:
             351          (a) the respondent resigns or is terminated from the political subdivision; or
             352          (b) except as provided in Subsection (3):
             353          (i) the respondent is charged with a criminal violation of:
             354          (A) Title 10, Chapter 3, Part 13, Municipal Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act;
             355          (B) Title 17, Chapter 16a, County Officers and Employees Disclosure Act; or
             356          (C) Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act; and
             357          (ii) the facts and allegations presented in the ethics complaint assert the same or similar
             358      facts and allegations as those asserted in the criminal charges.
             359          (3) If an ethics complaint asserts an ethics violation in addition to a criminal violation
             360      described in Subsection (2)(b), the commission shall:
             361          (a) dismiss an allegation described in Subsection (2)(b)(ii); and
             362          (b) proceed with any remaining allegation in the complaint.
             363          Section 9. Section 11-49-401 is enacted to read:
             364     
Part 4. Hearing on Ethics Complaint


             365          11-49-401. Hearing on ethics complaint -- General procedures.
             366          (1) In conducting a hearing on a complaint in accordance with Part 7, Commission
             367      Review of Ethics Violation, the commission shall comply with the following process in the
             368      order specified:
             369          (a) introduction and instructions for procedure and process, at the discretion of the
             370      chair;
             371          (b) complainant's opening argument, to be presented by a complainant or complainant's
             372      counsel;
             373          (c) complainant's presentation of evidence and witnesses in support of allegations in
             374      the complaint;
             375          (d) consideration of motions to dismiss the complaint or motions for a finding of no
             376      cause, as applicable;
             377          (e) respondent's opening argument, to be presented by the respondent or respondent's
             378      counsel;
             379          (f) respondent's presentation of evidence and witnesses refuting allegations in the
             380      complaint;
             381          (g) presentation of rebuttal evidence and witnesses by the complainant, at the
             382      discretion of the chair;
             383          (h) presentation of rebuttal evidence and witnesses by the respondent, at the discretion
             384      of the chair;
             385          (i) complainant's closing argument, to be presented by a complainant or complainant's
             386      counsel;
             387          (j) respondent's closing argument, to be presented by the respondent or respondent's
             388      counsel;
             389          (k) deliberations by the commission; and
             390          (l) adoption of the commission's findings.
             391          (2) The commission may, in extraordinary circumstances, vary the order contained in
             392      Subsection (1) by majority vote and by providing notice to the parties.


             393          (3) The chair may schedule the examination of a witness or evidence subpoenaed at the
             394      request of the chair or the commission under Section 11-49-403 at the chair's discretion.
             395          Section 10. Section 11-49-402 is enacted to read:
             396          11-49-402. Chair as presiding officer.
             397          (1) Except as expressly provided otherwise in this chapter, the chair of the commission
             398      is vested with the power to direct the commission during meetings authorized by this chapter.
             399          (2) Unless expressly prohibited from doing so under this chapter, the commission may
             400      overrule a decision of the chair by using the following procedure:
             401          (a) If a member objects to a decision of the chair, that member may appeal the decision
             402      by stating:
             403          (i) "I appeal the decision of the chair."; and
             404          (ii) the basis for the objection.
             405          (b) A motion described in Subsection (2)(a) is nondebatable.
             406          (c) The chair shall direct a roll call vote to determine if the commission supports the
             407      decision of the chair.
             408          (d) A majority vote of the commission is necessary to overrule the decision of the
             409      chair.
             410          (3) The chair may set time limitations on any part of a meeting or hearing authorized
             411      by this chapter.
             412          Section 11. Section 11-49-403 is enacted to read:
             413          11-49-403. Subpoena powers.
             414          (1) Except for a preliminary review described in Section 11-49-602 , for a proceeding
             415      authorized by this chapter, the commission may issue a subpoena to:
             416          (a) require the attendance of a witness;
             417          (b) direct the production of evidence; or
             418          (c) require both the attendance of a witness and the production of evidence.
             419          (2) The commission shall issue a subpoena:
             420          (a) in accordance with Section 11-49-405 ;


             421          (b) at the direction of the commission chair, if the chair determines that the testimony
             422      or evidence is relevant to the review of a complaint under Part 7, Commission Review of
             423      Ethics Violations; or
             424          (c) upon a vote of a majority of the commission members.
             425          (3) If the commission issues a subpoena authorized under this section, the commission
             426      shall give a reasonable period of time for the person or entity to whom the subpoena is directed
             427      to petition a district court to quash or modify the subpoena before the time specified in the
             428      subpoena for compliance.
             429          Section 12. Section 11-49-404 is enacted to read:
             430          11-49-404. Contempt of the commission.
             431          (1) (a) The following actions constitute contempt of the commission in relation to
             432      actions and proceedings under this chapter:
             433          (i) disobedience to a direction of the commission chair;
             434          (ii) failure, without legal justification, to answer a question during a hearing when
             435      directed to do so by:
             436          (A) the commission chair, unless the direction is overridden by the commission in
             437      accordance with Section 11-49-402 ; or
             438          (B) a majority of the commission;
             439          (iii) failure to comply with a subpoena or other order issued under authority of this
             440      chapter;
             441          (iv) violation of privacy provisions established by Section 11-49-502 ;
             442          (v) violation of the communication provisions established by Section 11-49-407 ;
             443          (vi) violation of a request to comply with a provision of this chapter by a chair or a
             444      majority of the members of the commission; or
             445          (vii) any other ground that is specified in statute or recognized by common law.
             446          (b) Because the purpose of the Fifth Amendment privilege not to incriminate oneself is
             447      to prevent prosecution for criminal action, it is improper for a witness to invoke the Fifth
             448      Amendment privilege if the witness cannot be prosecuted for the crime to which the witness's


             449      testimony relates.
             450          (2) (a) The following persons may authorize an enforcement action against a person in
             451      contempt of the commission under the provisions of this chapter:
             452          (i) the commission chair, subject to the provisions of Section 11-49-402 ; or
             453          (ii) members of the commission, by means of a majority vote.
             454          (b) In initiating and pursuing an action against an individual for contempt of the
             455      commission, the plaintiff shall comply with the procedures and requirements of Section
             456      11-49-405 .
             457          Section 13. Section 11-49-405 is enacted to read:
             458          11-49-405. Order to compel -- Enforcement.
             459          (1) (a) When the subject of a subpoena issued in accordance with Section 11-49-403
             460      disobeys or fails to comply with the subpoena, or if a person appears before the commission
             461      pursuant to a subpoena and refuses to testify to a matter upon which the person may be lawfully
             462      interrogated, the commission may:
             463          (i) file a motion for an order to compel obedience to the subpoena with the district
             464      court within the jurisdiction of the applicable political subdivision;
             465          (ii) file, with the district court, a motion for an order to show cause why the penalties
             466      established in Title 78B, Chapter 6, Part 3, Contempt, should not be imposed upon the person
             467      named in the subpoena for contempt of the commission; or
             468          (iii) pursue other remedies against persons in contempt of the commission.
             469          (b) (i) Upon receipt of a motion under this section, the court shall expedite the hearing
             470      and decision on the motion.
             471          (ii) A court may:
             472          (A) order the person named in the subpoena to comply with the subpoena; and
             473          (B) impose any penalties authorized by Title 78B, Chapter 6, Part 3, Contempt, upon
             474      the person named in the subpoena for contempt of the commission.
             475          (2) (a) If a commission subpoena requires the production of accounts, books, papers,
             476      documents, or other tangible things, the person or entity to whom the subpoena is directed may


             477      petition a district court to quash or modify the subpoena at or before the time specified in the
             478      subpoena for compliance.
             479          (b) The commission may respond to a motion to quash or modify the subpoena by
             480      pursuing any remedy authorized by Subsection (1).
             481          (c) If the court finds that a commission subpoena requiring the production of accounts,
             482      books, papers, documents, or other tangible things is unreasonable or oppressive, the court may
             483      quash or modify the subpoena.
             484          (3) Nothing in this section prevents the commission from seeking an extraordinary writ
             485      to remedy contempt of the commission.
             486          (4) Any party aggrieved by a decision of a court under this section may appeal that
             487      action directly to the Utah Supreme Court.
             488          Section 14. Section 11-49-406 is enacted to read:
             489          11-49-406. Testimony and examination of witnesses -- Oath -- Procedure --
             490      Contempt.
             491          (1) (a) The chair shall ensure that each witness listed in the complaint and response is
             492      subpoenaed for appearance at the hearing unless:
             493          (i) the witness is unable to be properly identified or located; or
             494          (ii) service is otherwise determined to be impracticable.
             495          (b) The chair shall determine the scheduling and order of witnesses and presentation of
             496      evidence.
             497          (c) The commission may, by majority vote:
             498          (i) overrule the chair's decision not to subpoena a witness under Subsection (1)(a);
             499          (ii) modify the chair's determination on the scheduling and order of witnesses under
             500      Subsection (1)(b);
             501          (iii) decline to hear or call a witness that has been requested by the complainant or
             502      respondent;
             503          (iv) decline to review or consider evidence submitted in relation to an ethics complaint;
             504      or


             505          (v) request and subpoena witnesses or evidence according to the procedures of Section
             506      11-49-403 .
             507          (2) (a) Each witness shall testify under oath.
             508          (b) The chair or the chair's designee shall administer the oath to each witness.
             509          (3) After the oath has been administered to the witness, the chair shall direct testimony
             510      as follows:
             511          (a) allow the party that has called the witness, or that party's counsel, to question the
             512      witness;
             513          (b) allow the opposing party, or that party's counsel, to cross-examine the witness;
             514          (c) allow additional questioning by a party or a party's counsel as appropriate;
             515          (d) give commission members the opportunity to question the witness; and
             516          (e) as appropriate, allow further examination of the witness by the commission, or the
             517      parties or their counsel.
             518          (4) (a) If the witness, a party, or a party's counsel objects to a question, the chair shall:
             519          (i) direct the witness to answer; or
             520          (ii) rule that the witness is not required to answer the question.
             521          (b) If the witness declines to answer a question after the chair or a majority of the
             522      commission determines that the witness is required to answer the question, the witness may be
             523      held in contempt as provided in Section 11-49-404 .
             524          (5) (a) The chair or a majority of the members of the commission may direct a witness
             525      to furnish any relevant evidence for consideration if the witness has brought the material
             526      voluntarily or has been required to bring it by subpoena.
             527          (b) If the witness declines to provide evidence in response to a subpoena, the witness
             528      may be held in contempt as provided in Section 11-49-404 .
             529          Section 15. Section 11-49-407 is enacted to read:
             530          11-49-407. Communications of commission members.
             531          (1) As used in this section, "third party" means a person who is not a member of the
             532      commission or staff to the commission.


             533          (2) While a complaint is under review by the commission, a member of the
             534      commission may not initiate or consider any communications concerning the complaint with a
             535      third party unless:
             536          (a) the communication is expressly permitted under the procedures established by this
             537      chapter; or
             538          (b) the communication is made by the third party, in writing, simultaneously to:
             539          (i) all members of the commission; and
             540          (ii) a staff member of the commission.
             541          (3) While the commission is reviewing a complaint under this chapter, a commission
             542      member may communicate outside of the meetings, hearing, or deliberations with another
             543      member of, or staff to, the commission, only if the member's communication does not
             544      materially compromise the member's responsibility to independently review and make
             545      decisions in relation to the complaint.
             546          Section 16. Section 11-49-408 is enacted to read:
             547          11-49-408. Attorney fees and costs.
             548          (1) A person filing a complaint under this chapter:
             549          (a) may, but is not required to, retain legal representation during the complaint review
             550      process; and
             551          (b) is responsible for payment of complainant's attorney fees and costs incurred.
             552          (2) (a) A respondent against whom a complaint is filed under this chapter may:
             553          (i) but is not required to, retain legal representation during the complaint review
             554      process; and
             555          (ii) be entitled to the provision of legal defense by the political subdivision in
             556      accordance with Section 63G-7-902 .
             557          (b) For purposes of Subsection (2)(a)(ii), a complaint filed against a respondent in
             558      accordance with this chapter shall constitute an action against a governmental employee in
             559      accordance with Section 63G-7-902 .
             560          (3) (a) An attorney participating in a hearing before the commission shall comply with:


             561          (i) the Rules of Professional Conduct established by the Utah Supreme Court;
             562          (ii) the procedures and requirements of this chapter; and
             563          (iii) the directions of the chair and commission.
             564          (b) A violation of Subsection (3)(a) may constitute:
             565          (i) contempt of the commission under Section 11-49-404 ; or
             566          (ii) a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct subject to enforcement by the Utah
             567      State Bar.
             568          Section 17. Section 11-49-501 is enacted to read:
             569     
Part 5. Complaint of Ethics Violation

             570          11-49-501. Ethics complaints -- Who may file -- Form.
             571          (1) (a) Notwithstanding any other provision, the following may file a complaint,
             572      subject to the requirements of Subsections (1)(b) and (c) and Section 11-49-301 , against a
             573      political subdivision officer or employee:
             574          (i) two or more registered voters who reside within the boundaries of a political
             575      subdivision;
             576          (ii) two or more registered voters who pay a fee or tax to a political subdivision; or
             577          (iii) one or more registered voters who reside within the boundaries of a political
             578      subdivision and one or more registered voters who pay a fee or tax to the political subdivision.
             579          (b) A person described in Subsection (1)(a) may not file a complaint unless at least one
             580      person described in Subsection (1)(a)(i), (ii), or (iii) has actual knowledge of the facts and
             581      circumstances supporting the alleged ethics violation.
             582          (c) A complainant may file a complaint only against an individual who, on the date that
             583      the complaint is filed, is serving as a political subdivision officer or is a political subdivision
             584      employee.
             585          (2) (a) (i) A complainant shall file a complaint with the Office of the Lieutenant
             586      Governor.
             587          (ii) The lieutenant governor shall forward the complaint to the chair of the commission
             588      no later than five days after the day on which the complaint is filed.


             589          (b) An individual may not file a complaint during the 60 calendar days immediately
             590      preceding:
             591          (i) a regular primary election, if the accused political subdivision officer is a candidate
             592      in the primary election; or
             593          (ii) a regular general election in which an accused political subdivision officer is a
             594      candidate, unless the accused political subdivision officer is unopposed in the election.
             595          (3) A complainant shall ensure that each complaint filed under this section is in writing
             596      and contains the following information:
             597          (a) the name and position of the political subdivision officer or employee alleged to be
             598      in violation;
             599          (b) the name, address, and telephone number of each individual who is filing the
             600      complaint;
             601          (c) a description of each alleged ethics violation, as applicable of:
             602          (i) Title 10, Chapter 3, Part 13, Municipal Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act;
             603          (ii) Title 17, Chapter 16a, County Officers and Employees Disclosure Act; or
             604          (iii) Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act;
             605          (d) include for each alleged ethics violation:
             606          (i) a reference to the section of the code alleged to have been violated;
             607          (ii) the name of the complainant who has actual knowledge of the facts and
             608      circumstances supporting each allegation; and
             609          (iii) with reasonable specificity, the facts and circumstances supporting each allegation,
             610      which shall be provided by:
             611          (A) copies of official records or documentary evidence; or
             612          (B) one or more affidavits that include the information required in Subsection (4);
             613          (e) a list of the witnesses that a complainant wishes to have called, including for each
             614      witness:
             615          (i) the name, address, and, if available, one or more telephone numbers of the witness;
             616          (ii) a brief summary of the testimony to be provided by the witness; and


             617          (iii) a specific description of any documents or evidence a complainant desires the
             618      witness to produce;
             619          (f) a statement that each complainant:
             620          (i) has reviewed the allegations contained in the complaint and the sworn statements
             621      and documents attached to the complaint;
             622          (ii) believes that the complaint is submitted in good faith and not for any improper
             623      purpose such as for the purpose of harassing the respondent, causing unwarranted harm to the
             624      respondent's reputation, or causing unnecessary expenditure of public funds; and
             625          (iii) believes the allegations contained in the complaint to be true and accurate; and
             626          (g) the signature of each complainant.
             627          (4) An affidavit described in Subsection (3)(d)(iii)(B) shall include:
             628          (a) the name, address, and telephone number of the signer;
             629          (b) a statement that the signer has actual knowledge of the facts and circumstances
             630      alleged in the affidavit;
             631          (c) the facts and circumstances testified by the signer;
             632          (d) a statement that the affidavit is believed to be true and correct and that false
             633      statements are subject to penalties of perjury; and
             634          (e) the signature of the signer.
             635          Section 18. Section 11-49-502 is enacted to read:
             636          11-49-502. Privacy of ethics complaint -- Contempt -- Enforcement of finding of
             637      contempt -- Dismissal.
             638          (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b) or (c), a person, including a
             639      complainant, the respondent, a commission member, or staff to the commission, may not
             640      disclose the existence of a complaint, a response, nor any information concerning any alleged
             641      ethics violation that is the subject of a complaint:
             642          (i) unless otherwise provided in this chapter; or
             643          (ii) after a complaint is presented at the meeting described in Section 11-49-701 .
             644          (b) The restrictions in Subsection (1)(a) do not apply to the respondent's voluntary


             645      disclosure of a finding by the commission that no allegations in a complaint were proved after
             646      that finding is issued by the commission under the procedures and requirements of Section
             647      11-49-602 .
             648          (c) Nothing in this section shall prevent a person from disclosing facts or allegations
             649      about potential criminal violations to a law enforcement authority.
             650          (d) Nothing in this section may be construed to hinder or prevent a respondent from
             651      preparing a defense to a complaint, including contacting a witness or other actions in
             652      preparation for review by the commission.
             653          (2) A person who violates the provisions of Subsection (1)(a) is in contempt of the
             654      commission and proceedings may be initiated to enforce the finding of contempt using the
             655      procedures provided in Sections 11-49-404 and 11-49-405 .
             656          (3) If the existence of an ethics complaint is publicly disclosed before or during the
             657      preliminary review period described in Section 11-49-602 , the complaint shall be summarily
             658      dismissed without prejudice.
             659          Section 19. Section 11-49-601 is enacted to read:
             660     
Part 6. Review of Complaint for Compliance

             661          11-49-601. Review of ethics complaint for compliance with form requirements --
             662      Independent requirements for complaint -- Notice.
             663          (1) Within five business days after receipt of a complaint, the staff of the commission,
             664      in consultation with the chair of the commission, shall examine the complaint to determine if it
             665      is in compliance with Sections 11-49-301 and 11-49-501 .
             666          (2) (a) If the chair determines that the complaint does not comply with Sections
             667      11-49-301 and 11-49-501 , the chair shall:
             668          (i) return the complaint to the first complainant named on the complaint with:
             669          (A) a statement detailing the reason for the non-compliance; and
             670          (B) a copy of the applicable provisions in this chapter; and
             671          (ii) notify the applicable political subdivision governing body that:
             672          (A) a complaint was filed against an unidentified political subdivision officer or


             673      employee but was returned for non-compliance with this chapter; and
             674          (B) the fact that a complaint was filed and returned shall be kept confidential until the
             675      commission submits its annual summary data report as required by Section 11-49-202 .
             676          (b) If a complaint is returned for non-compliance with the requirements of this chapter,
             677      a complainant may file another complaint if the new complaint independently meets the
             678      requirements of Sections 11-49-301 and 11-49-501 , including any requirements for timely
             679      filing.
             680          (3) If the chair determines that the complaint complies with the requirements of this
             681      section, the chair shall:
             682          (a) accept the complaint;
             683          (b) notify each member of the commission that the complaint has been filed and
             684      accepted;
             685          (c) notify the applicable political subdivision that:
             686          (i) a complaint has been filed against an unidentified political subdivision officer or
             687      employee;
             688          (ii) the identity of the political subdivision officer or employee and the allegations
             689      raised in the complaint are confidential pending the commission's preliminary review of the
             690      complaint; and
             691          (iii) the fact that a complaint was filed shall be kept confidential until the commission
             692      publicly discloses the existence of the complaint via:
             693          (A) notice of the commission's review of a complaint in accordance with Section
             694      11-49-701 ; or
             695          (B) submission of the commission's annual summary data report as required in Section
             696      11-49-202 ; and
             697          (d) promptly forward the complaint to the political subdivision officer or employee
             698      who is the subject of the ethics complaint via personal delivery or a delivery method that
             699      provides verification of receipt, together with a copy of this chapter and notice of the officer's
             700      or employee's deadline for filing a response to the complaint if the complaint is not dismissed


             701      under Section 11-49-602 .
             702          Section 20. Section 11-49-602 is enacted to read:
             703          11-49-602. Preliminary review of complaint -- Standard of proof -- Notice.
             704          (1) (a) By no later than 10 calendar days after the day on which a complaint is accepted
             705      under Section 11-49-601 , the commission chair shall:
             706          (i) schedule a commission meeting on a date no later than 60 calendar days after the
             707      date on which the commission accepts the complaint;
             708          (ii) place the complaint on the agenda for consideration at the meeting;
             709          (iii) provide a copy of the complaint to the members; and
             710          (iv) provide notice of the date, time, and location of the meeting:
             711          (A) to the respondent;
             712          (B) the first complainant named in the complaint;
             713          (C) each commission member; and
             714          (D) in accordance with Section 52-4-202 .
             715          (b) The meeting described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii) is closed to the public in accordance
             716      with Section 52-4-204 .
             717          (2) (a) At the meeting described in Subsection (1)(a)(i):
             718          (i) the commission members shall review each allegation in the complaint;
             719          (ii) the commission may not receive testimony, hear a motion from a party, or admit
             720      evidence; and
             721          (iii) the chair shall conduct deliberations.
             722          (b) The commission may, if necessary:
             723          (i) request a formal response or affidavit from a respondent; and
             724          (ii) review the response or affidavit at the meeting.
             725          (c) Upon a motion made by a commission member, the commission may exclude
             726      commission staff from all or a portion of the deliberations by a majority vote.
             727          (3) (a) During deliberations, each commission member shall, for each allegation,
             728      determine:


             729          (i) whether the facts alleged, if true, would be an ethics violation;
             730          (ii) whether the complaint includes an affidavit from a person with firsthand
             731      knowledge of alleged facts described in Subsection (3)(a)(i); and
             732          (iii) whether the complaint is frivolous or solely for a political purpose.
             733          (b) A commission member shall vote to forward an allegation in a complaint for a final
             734      commission review in accordance with Part 7, Commission Review of Ethics Violation, if the
             735      commission member determines:
             736          (i) an allegation, if true, would be an ethics violation;
             737          (ii) the complaint contains an affidavit with firsthand knowledge of the allegation
             738      under Subsection (3)(a)(ii); and
             739          (iii) the allegation is not frivolous or solely for a political purpose.
             740          (4) (a) A verbal roll call vote shall be taken on each allegation and each member's vote
             741      shall be recorded.
             742          (b) The commission may not review an allegation for a final determination under Part
             743      7, Commission Review of Ethics Violation, unless six of the seven members of the
             744      commission vote to review the allegation.
             745          (5) (a) An allegation that is not forwarded for a final determination is dismissed.
             746          (b) Before the commission issues an order in accordance with this section, the
             747      commission may, upon a majority vote, reconsider and hold a new vote on an allegation.
             748          (c) A motion to reconsider a vote may only be made by a member of the commission
             749      who voted that the allegation should not be forwarded for a final determination.
             750          (6) (a) If each allegation stated in a complaint is dismissed in accordance with this
             751      section, the commission shall:
             752          (i) issue and enter into the record an order that the complaint is dismissed because no
             753      allegations, in accordance with this section, were forwarded for a final determination;
             754          (ii) classify all recordings, testimony, evidence, orders, findings, and other records
             755      directly relating to the meetings authorized by this part as private records under Section
             756      63G-2-302 ;


             757          (iii) provide notice of the determination, in a manner determined by the chair, to:
             758          (A) the respondent;
             759          (B) the first complainant named on the complaint; and
             760          (C) subject to Subsection (6)(b), the appropriate political subdivision; and
             761          (iv) provide notice to each person or entity named in Subsections (6)(a)(iii)(A) through
             762      (C) that, under provisions of Section 11-49-502 and other provisions of this chapter, a person
             763      who discloses the findings of the commission in violation of any provision of this chapter is in
             764      contempt of the commission and is subject to penalties for contempt.
             765          (b) The notification to the appropriate political subdivision shall notify the political
             766      subdivision that:
             767          (i) a complaint against an unidentified political subdivision officer or employee has
             768      been dismissed; and
             769          (ii) the fact that a complaint was filed shall be kept confidential until the commission
             770      publicly discloses the existence of the complaint via submission of the commission's annual
             771      summary data report as required in Section 11-49-202 .
             772          (7) If one or more of the allegations stated in a complaint are not dismissed in
             773      accordance with this section, the commission shall:
             774          (a) issue and enter into the record:
             775          (i) an order for each allegation that is dismissed, if any, because the allegation was not
             776      forwarded for a final determination; and
             777          (ii) an order for further review under Part 7, Commission Review of Ethics Violation,
             778      of each allegation that is not dismissed;
             779          (b) classify all recordings, orders, findings, and other records or documents directly
             780      relating to a meeting authorized by this section as private records under Section 63G-2-302 ;
             781          (c) if an allegation was dismissed, provide notice of the determination for each
             782      allegation dismissed in a manner determined by the chair, to:
             783          (i) the respondent;
             784          (ii) the first complainant named on the complaint; and


             785          (iii) subject to Subsection (8), the appropriate political subdivision; and
             786          (d) provide notice to each person or entity named in Subsections (7)(c)(i) through (iii)
             787      that:
             788          (i) under provisions of Section 11-49-502 and other provisions of this chapter, a person
             789      who discloses the findings of the commission under this section in violation of any provision of
             790      this chapter is in contempt of the commission and is subject to penalties for contempt; and
             791          (ii) the commission shall review the remaining allegations in the complaint at a
             792      meeting described in Section 11-49-603 and in accordance with Part 7, Commission Review of
             793      Ethics Violation.
             794          (8) The notification to the appropriate political subdivision shall notify the political
             795      subdivision that:
             796          (a) an unspecified allegation in a complaint against an unidentified political
             797      subdivision officer or employee has been dismissed; and
             798          (b) the fact that a complaint was filed shall be kept confidential until the commission
             799      publicly discloses the existence of the complaint in accordance with the provisions of this
             800      chapter.
             801          (9) For a complaint described in Subsection (7), the commission members shall ensure
             802      that, within five business days after the day of the meeting described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii),
             803      the complaint is redacted to remove references to an allegation that is dismissed under this
             804      section.
             805          (10) The chair shall ensure that a record of the meeting held under this section is kept
             806      in accordance with Section 11-49-702 .
             807          Section 21. Section 11-49-603 is enacted to read:
             808          11-49-603. Meeting of the Commission to review a complaint -- Procedures.
             809          By no later than 10 calendar days after the day on which a complaint is accepted under
             810      Section 11-49-602 for further review, the commission chair shall:
             811          (1) schedule a commission meeting on a date no later than 45 calendar days after the
             812      date on which the commission votes to forward a complaint for final determination in


             813      accordance with Section 11-49-602 ;
             814          (2) place the complaint on the agenda for consideration at the meeting described in
             815      Subsection (1);
             816          (3) provide notice of the date, time, and location of the meeting:
             817          (a) to:
             818          (i) the members of the commission;
             819          (ii) the first complainant named in the complaint; and
             820          (iii) the respondent; and
             821          (b) in accordance with Section 52-4-202 ; and
             822          (4) provide a copy of the complaint or redacted complaint, as required in Section
             823      11-49-602 , to each member of the commission.
             824          Section 22. Section 11-49-604 is enacted to read:
             825          11-49-604. Response to ethics complaint -- Filing -- Form.
             826          (1) The political subdivision officer or employee who is the subject of the complaint
             827      may file a response to the complaint no later than 30 days after the day on which the officer or
             828      employee receives delivery of an order issued by the commission under Subsection
             829      11-49-602 (7).
             830          (2) The respondent shall file the response with the commission and ensure that the
             831      response is in writing and contains the following information:
             832          (a) the name, address, and telephone number of the respondent;
             833          (b) for each alleged ethics violation in the complaint:
             834          (i) each affirmative defense asserted in response to the allegation, including a general
             835      description of each affirmative defense and the facts and circumstances supporting the defense
             836      to be provided by one or more affidavits, each of which shall comply with Subsection (4);
             837          (ii) the facts and circumstances refuting the allegation, which shall be provided by:
             838          (A) copies of official records or documentary evidence; or
             839          (B) one or more affidavits, each of which shall comply with Subsection (4);
             840          (c) a list of the witnesses that the respondent wishes to have called, including for each


             841      witness:
             842          (i) the name, address, and, if available, telephone number of the witness;
             843          (ii) a brief summary of the testimony to be provided by the witness; and
             844          (iii) a specific description of any documents or evidence the respondent desires the
             845      witness to produce;
             846          (d) a statement that the respondent:
             847          (i) has reviewed the allegations contained in the complaint and the sworn statements
             848      and documents attached to the response; and
             849          (ii) believes the contents of the response to be true and accurate; and
             850          (e) the signature of the respondent.
             851          (3) Promptly after receiving the response, the commission shall provide copies of the
             852      response to:
             853          (a) each member of the commission; and
             854          (b) the first named complainant on the complaint.
             855          (4) An affidavit described in Subsection (2)(b)(i) or (2)(b)(ii)(B) shall include the
             856      following information:
             857          (a) the name, address, and telephone number of the signer;
             858          (b) a statement that the signer has actual knowledge of the facts and circumstances
             859      alleged in the affidavit;
             860          (c) the facts and circumstances testified to by the signer;
             861          (d) a statement that the affidavit is believed to be true and correct and that false
             862      statements are subject to penalties of perjury; and
             863          (e) the signature of the signer.
             864          Section 23. Section 11-49-701 is enacted to read:
             865     
Part 7. Commission Review of Ethics Violation

             866          11-49-701. Commission review of ethics violation.
             867          (1) The scope of a review by the commission is limited to an alleged ethics violation
             868      stated in a complaint that has not been previously dismissed under Section 11-49-602 .


             869          (2) (a) Before holding the meeting for review of the complaint, the commission chair
             870      may schedule a separate meeting of the commission for the purposes of:
             871          (i) hearing motions or arguments from the parties, including hearing motions or
             872      arguments relating to dismissal of a complaint, admission of evidence, or procedures;
             873          (ii) holding a vote of the commission, with or without the attendance of the parties, on
             874      procedural or commission business matters relating to a complaint; or
             875          (iii) reviewing a complaint, with or without the attendance of the parties, to determine
             876      if the complaint should be dismissed in whole or in part, by means of a majority vote of the
             877      commission, because the complaint pleads facts or circumstances against a political
             878      subdivision officer or employee that have already been reviewed by, as provided in Section
             879      11-49-301 , the commission, a municipal ethics commission established in accordance with
             880      Section 10-3-1311 , a county ethics commission established in accordance with Section
             881      17-16a-11 , or a local political subdivision ethics commission established in accordance with
             882      Section 11-49-103 .
             883          (b) Notwithstanding Section 11-49-603 , the commission may, by a majority vote,
             884      change the date of the meeting for review of the complaint in order to accommodate:
             885          (i) a meeting authorized under Subsection (2)(a); or
             886          (ii) necessary scheduling requirements.
             887          (3) (a) The commission shall comply with the Utah Rules of Evidence except where
             888      the commission determines, by majority vote, that a rule is not compatible with the
             889      requirements of this chapter.
             890          (b) The chair shall make rulings on admissibility of evidence consistent with the
             891      provisions of Section 11-49-402 .
             892          (4) (a) A meeting or hearing authorized in this part is open to the public except as
             893      provided in Section 52-4-204 .
             894          (b) The following individuals may be present during the presentation of testimony and
             895      evidence to the commission:
             896          (i) the complainant;


             897          (ii) the complainant's counsel, if applicable;
             898          (iii) the respondent;
             899          (iv) the respondent's counsel, if applicable;
             900          (v) members of the commission;
             901          (vi) staff to the commission;
             902          (vii) a witness, while testifying before the commission; and
             903          (viii) necessary security personnel.
             904          (c) The commission may, in accordance with Section 52-4-204 , close a meeting to:
             905          (i) seek or obtain legal advice on legal, evidentiary, or procedural matters; or
             906          (ii) conduct deliberations to reach a decision on the complaint.
             907          (5) If a majority of the commission determines that a continuance is necessary to obtain
             908      further evidence and testimony, to accommodate administrative needs, or to accommodate the
             909      attendance of commission members, witnesses, or a party, the commission shall:
             910          (a) adjourn and continue the meeting to a future date and time after notice to the
             911      parties; and
             912          (b) establish that future date and time by majority vote.
             913          (6) A record, as defined in Section 63G-2-103 , created by the commission under this
             914      part, reviewed by the commission under this part, or received by the commission under this
             915      part, is a public record, as defined in Section 63G-2-103 .
             916          Section 24. Section 11-49-702 is enacted to read:
             917          11-49-702. Record -- Recording of meetings.
             918          (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), an individual may not use a camera or
             919      other recording device in a meeting authorized by this part.
             920          (b) (i) The commission shall keep an audio or video recording of all portions of each
             921      meeting authorized by this part.
             922          (ii) The commission may, by a majority vote of the commission, permit a camera or
             923      other recording device in the meeting in which the commission releases the commission's
             924      recommendation under this part.


             925          (2) In addition to the recording required in Subsection (1), the chair shall ensure that a
             926      record of the meeting or hearing is made, which shall include:
             927          (a) official minutes taken during the meeting or hearing, if any;
             928          (b) copies of all documents or other items admitted into evidence by the commission;
             929          (c) copies of a document or written order or ruling issued by the chair or the
             930      commission; and
             931          (d) any other information that a majority of the commission or the chair directs.
             932          Section 25. Section 11-49-703 is enacted to read:
             933          11-49-703. Commission deliberations -- Standard of proof.
             934          (1) After each party has presented a closing argument, the commission shall, at the
             935      direction of the chair, begin its deliberations:
             936          (a) immediately after conclusion of the closing arguments; or
             937          (b) at a future meeting of the commission, on a date and time determined by a majority
             938      of the members of the commission.
             939          (2) (a) The chair of the commission shall conduct the deliberations.
             940          (b) Upon a motion made by a commission member, the commission may:
             941          (i) exclude commission staff from all or a portion of the deliberations by a majority
             942      vote of the commission; or
             943          (ii) close the meeting in accordance with Section 52-4-204 .
             944          (3) (a) During deliberations, for each allegation reviewed by the commission, each
             945      member shall determine and cast a vote stating:
             946          (i) whether the allegation is:
             947          (A) proven by clear and convincing evidence; or
             948          (B) not proven; and
             949          (ii) for each allegation proven, whether the commission would recommend to the
             950      appropriate political subdivision governing body to take one or more of the following actions:
             951          (A) censure;
             952          (B) in the case of a political subdivision employee, termination;


             953          (C) in the case of a political subdivision officer, removal from office; or
             954          (D) any other action or reprimand that the commission determines is appropriate.
             955          (b) (i) A verbal roll call vote shall be taken on each allegation, and each recommended
             956      action described in Subsection (3)(a)(ii) on each allegation.
             957          (ii) Each member's vote shall be recorded.
             958          (4) (a) An allegation is not considered to be proven unless six of the seven members of
             959      the commission vote that the allegation is proven.
             960          (b) An allegation that is not considered to be proven is dismissed.
             961          (c) (i) Before the commission issues its recommendation in accordance with Section
             962      11-49-704 , the commission may, upon a majority vote, reconsider and hold a new vote on an
             963      allegation.
             964          (ii) A motion to reconsider a vote may only be made by a member of the commission
             965      who voted that the allegation was not proved.
             966          (5) At the conclusion of deliberations, the commission shall prepare its
             967      recommendations as provided in Sections 11-49-704 and 11-49-705 .
             968          Section 26. Section 11-49-704 is enacted to read:
             969          11-49-704. Recommendations of commission.
             970          (1) (a) If the commission determines that no allegations in the complaint were proved,
             971      the commission shall:
             972          (i) issue and enter into the record an order that the complaint is dismissed because no
             973      allegations in the complaint were found to have been proved;
             974          (ii) provide notice of the determination at a public meeting; and
             975          (iii) provide written notice of the determination to:
             976          (A) the respondent;
             977          (B) the first complainant named on the complaint; and
             978          (C) the appropriate political subdivision.
             979          (2) If the commission determines that one or more of the allegations in the complaint
             980      were proved, the commission shall:


             981          (a) if one or more allegations were not found to have been proven, enter into the record
             982      an order dismissing those unproven allegations; and
             983          (b) prepare a written recommendation to the applicable political subdivision governing
             984      body that:
             985          (i) lists the name of each complainant;
             986          (ii) lists the name of the respondent;
             987          (iii) states the date of the recommendation;
             988          (iv) for each allegation that was found to be proven:
             989          (A) provides a reference to the statute or criminal provision allegedly violated;
             990          (B) states the number and names of commission members voting that the allegation
             991      was proved and the number and names of commission members voting that the allegation was
             992      not proved;
             993          (C) at the option of those members voting that the allegation was proved, includes a
             994      statement by one or all of those members stating the reasons for voting that the allegation was
             995      proved; and
             996          (D) at the option of those members voting that the allegation was not proved, includes
             997      a statement by one or all of those members stating the reasons for voting that the allegation was
             998      not proved;
             999          (v) contains any general statement that is adopted for inclusion in the recommendation
             1000      by a majority of the members of the commission;
             1001          (vi) contains a statement referring the allegations found to have been proved to the
             1002      appropriate political subdivision governing body for review and, if necessary, further action;
             1003          (vii) contains a statement referring to each allegation proven the commission's
             1004      recommendation under Subsection 11-49-703 (3)(a)(ii);
             1005          (viii) states the name of each member of the commission; and
             1006          (ix) is signed by each commission member.
             1007          (3) The commission shall provide notice of the determination:
             1008          (a) at a public meeting; and


             1009          (b) in writing to:
             1010          (i) the respondent;
             1011          (ii) the first complainant named on the complaint; and
             1012          (iii) in accordance with Subsection (4), the appropriate political subdivision.
             1013          (4) The commission shall ensure that, within five business days of the date of public
             1014      issuance of the determination in accordance with Subsection (3), the following documents are
             1015      provided to the political subdivision governing body:
             1016          (a) a cover letter referring the proven allegations contained in the complaint to the
             1017      political subdivision governing body for review;
             1018          (b) a copy of the complaint;
             1019          (c) a copy of the response; and
             1020          (d) a copy of the commission's recommendation.
             1021          Section 27. Section 11-49-705 is enacted to read:
             1022          11-49-705. Criminal allegation -- Recommendation to county or district attorney.
             1023          (1) If the commission finds that a political subdivision officer or employee allegedly
             1024      violated a criminal provision, the commission shall, in addition to sending a recommendation
             1025      to a political subdivision governing body in accordance with Section 11-49-704 , send a
             1026      recommendation for further investigation to the county or district attorney of jurisdiction by
             1027      delivering to the county or district attorney a written recommendation that:
             1028          (a) lists the name of each complainant;
             1029          (b) lists the name of the respondent;
             1030          (c) states the date of the recommendation;
             1031          (d) for each allegation of a criminal violation, provide a reference to the criminal
             1032      provision allegedly violated;
             1033          (e) includes a general statement that is adopted by a majority of the members of the
             1034      commission; and
             1035          (f) gives the name of the political subdivision governing body that the commission sent
             1036      a recommendation to in accordance with Section 11-49-704 .


             1037          (2) If the commission sends a recommendation in accordance with Subsection (1)(a),
             1038      the commission shall enter into the record:
             1039          (a) a copy of the recommendation; and
             1040          (b) the name of the county or district attorney of jurisdiction to whom it was sent.
             1041          (3) A recommendation prepared and delivered in accordance with this section is a
             1042      public record.
             1043          Section 28. Section 11-49-706 is enacted to read:
             1044          11-49-706. Action by political subdivision governing body.
             1045          A political subdivision governing body that receives a recommendation in accordance
             1046      with Section 11-49-704 shall:
             1047          (1) review the recommendation; and
             1048          (2) take further action in accordance with a political subdivision's governing ordinance,
             1049      bylaws, or other applicable governing rule.
             1050          Section 29. Section 17-16a-11 is amended to read:
             1051           17-16a-11. County ethics commission -- Complaints charging violations --
             1052      Procedure.
             1053          (1) A county may establish by ordinance an ethics commission to review a complaint,
             1054      except as provided in Subsection (3), against an officer or employee subject to this part for a
             1055      violation of a provision of this part.
             1056          (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3), a person filing a complaint for a violation
             1057      of this part shall file the complaint:
             1058          (i) with the county ethics commission, if the county has established a county ethics
             1059      commission in accordance with Subsection (1); or
             1060          (ii) with the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission established in
             1061      accordance with Title 11, Chapter 49, Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission if the
             1062      county has not established a county ethics commission.
             1063          (b) A county that receives a complaint described in Subsection (2)(a) may:
             1064          (i) accept the complaint if the county has established a county ethics commission in


             1065      accordance with Subsection (1); or
             1066          (ii) forward the complaint to the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission
             1067      established in Section 11-49-201 :
             1068          (A) regardless of whether the county has established a county ethics commission; or
             1069          (B) if the county has not established a county ethics commission.
             1070          [(1)] (3) Any complaint against a person who is under the merit system, charging that
             1071      person with a violation of this part, shall be filed and processed in accordance with the
             1072      provisions of the merit system.
             1073          [(2) If the person charged with the violation is not under any merit system, then the
             1074      complaint shall be filed with the commission which shall investigate the complaint and shall
             1075      give the person an opportunity to be heard. A written report of the findings and the
             1076      recommendation of the commission shall be filed with the governing body. If the governing
             1077      body finds that the person has violated this part, it may dismiss, suspend, or take such other
             1078      appropriate action with respect to the person.]
             1079          Section 30. Section 52-4-204 is amended to read:
             1080           52-4-204. Closed meeting held upon vote of members -- Business -- Reasons for
             1081      meeting recorded.
             1082          (1) A closed meeting may be held if:
             1083          (a) (i) a quorum is present;
             1084          (ii) the meeting is an open meeting for which notice has been given under Section
             1085      52-4-202 ; and
             1086          (iii) (A) two-thirds of the members of the public body present at the open meeting vote
             1087      to approve closing the meeting;
             1088          (B) for a meeting that is required to be closed under Section 52-4-205 , if a majority of
             1089      the members of the public body present at an open meeting vote to approve closing the
             1090      meeting; [or]
             1091          (C) for an ethics committee of the Legislature that is conducting an open meeting for
             1092      the purpose of reviewing an ethics complaint, a majority of the members present vote to


             1093      approve closing the meeting for the purpose of seeking or obtaining legal advice on legal,
             1094      evidentiary, or procedural matters, or for conducting deliberations to reach a decision on the
             1095      complaint; or
             1096          (D) for the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission established in Section
             1097      11-49-201 that is conducting an open meeting for the purpose of reviewing an ethics complaint
             1098      in accordance with Section 11-49-701 , a majority of the members present vote to approve
             1099      closing the meeting for the purpose of seeking or obtaining legal advice on legal, evidentiary,
             1100      or procedural matters, or for conducting deliberations to reach a decision on the complaint; or
             1101          (b) (i) for the Independent Legislative Ethics Commission, the closed meeting is
             1102      convened for the purpose of conducting business relating to the receipt or review of an ethics
             1103      complaint, provided that public notice of the closed meeting is given under Section 52-4-202 ,
             1104      with the agenda for the meeting stating that the meeting will be closed for the purpose of
             1105      "conducting business relating to the receipt or review of ethics complaints"[.]; or
             1106          (ii) for the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission established in Section
             1107      11-49-201 , the closed meeting is convened for the purpose of conducting business relating to
             1108      the preliminary review of an ethics complaint in accordance with Section 11-49-602 , provided
             1109      that public notice of the closed meeting is given under Section 52-4-202 , with the agenda for
             1110      the meeting stating that the meeting will be closed for the purpose of "conducting business
             1111      relating to the review of ethics complaints".
             1112          (2) A closed meeting is not allowed unless each matter discussed in the closed meeting
             1113      is permitted under Section 52-4-205 .
             1114          (3) An ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation, contract, or appointment may not be
             1115      approved at a closed meeting.
             1116          (4) The following information shall be publicly announced and entered on the minutes
             1117      of the open meeting at which the closed meeting was approved:
             1118          (a) the reason or reasons for holding the closed meeting;
             1119          (b) the location where the closed meeting will be held; and
             1120          (c) the vote by name, of each member of the public body, either for or against the


             1121      motion to hold the closed meeting.
             1122          (5) Except as provided in Subsection 52-4-205 (2), nothing in this chapter shall be
             1123      construed to require any meeting to be closed to the public.
             1124          Section 31. Section 63G-2-302 is amended to read:
             1125           63G-2-302. Private records.
             1126          (1) The following records are private:
             1127          (a) records concerning an individual's eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits,
             1128      social services, welfare benefits, or the determination of benefit levels;
             1129          (b) records containing data on individuals describing medical history, diagnosis,
             1130      condition, treatment, evaluation, or similar medical data;
             1131          (c) records of publicly funded libraries that when examined alone or with other records
             1132      identify a patron;
             1133          (d) records received by or generated by or for:
             1134          (i) the Independent Legislative Ethics Commission, except for:
             1135          (A) the commission's summary data report that is required under legislative rule; and
             1136          (B) any other document that is classified as public under legislative rule; or
             1137          (ii) a Senate or House Ethics Committee in relation to the review of ethics complaints,
             1138      unless the record is classified as public under legislative rule;
             1139          (e) records received or generated for a Senate confirmation committee concerning
             1140      character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual:
             1141          (i) if prior to the meeting, the chair of the committee determines release of the records:
             1142          (A) reasonably could be expected to interfere with the investigation undertaken by the
             1143      committee; or
             1144          (B) would create a danger of depriving a person of a right to a fair proceeding or
             1145      impartial hearing; and
             1146          (ii) after the meeting, if the meeting was closed to the public;
             1147          (f) employment records concerning a current or former employee of, or applicant for
             1148      employment with, a governmental entity that would disclose that individual's home address,


             1149      home telephone number, Social Security number, insurance coverage, marital status, or payroll
             1150      deductions;
             1151          (g) records or parts of records under Section 63G-2-303 that a current or former
             1152      employee identifies as private according to the requirements of that section;
             1153          (h) that part of a record indicating a person's Social Security number or federal
             1154      employer identification number if provided under Section 31A-23a-104 , 31A-25-202 ,
             1155      31A-26-202 , 58-1-301 , 58-55-302 , 61-1-4 , or 61-2f-203 ;
             1156          (i) that part of a voter registration record identifying a voter's driver license or
             1157      identification card number, Social Security number, or last four digits of the Social Security
             1158      number;
             1159          (j) a record that:
             1160          (i) contains information about an individual;
             1161          (ii) is voluntarily provided by the individual; and
             1162          (iii) goes into an electronic database that:
             1163          (A) is designated by and administered under the authority of the Chief Information
             1164      Officer; and
             1165          (B) acts as a repository of information about the individual that can be electronically
             1166      retrieved and used to facilitate the individual's online interaction with a state agency;
             1167          (k) information provided to the Commissioner of Insurance under:
             1168          (i) Subsection 31A-23a-115 (2)(a);
             1169          (ii) Subsection 31A-23a-302 (3); or
             1170          (iii) Subsection 31A-26-210 (3);
             1171          (l) information obtained through a criminal background check under Title 11, Chapter
             1172      40, Criminal Background Checks by Political Subdivisions Operating Water Systems;
             1173          (m) information provided by an offender that is:
             1174          (i) required by the registration requirements of Section 77-27-21.5 ; and
             1175          (ii) not required to be made available to the public under Subsection 77-27-21.5 (27);
             1176          (n) a statement and any supporting documentation filed with the attorney general in


             1177      accordance with Section 34-45-107 , if the federal law or action supporting the filing involves
             1178      homeland security;
             1179          (o) electronic toll collection customer account information received or collected under
             1180      Section 72-6-118 , including contact and payment information and customer travel data[.];
             1181          (p) an email address provided by a military or overseas voter under Section
             1182      20A-16-501 ; [and]
             1183          (q) a completed military-overseas ballot that is electronically transmitted under Title
             1184      20A, Chapter 16, Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act[.]; and
             1185          (r) records received by or generated by or for the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review
             1186      Commission established in Section 11-49-201 , except for:
             1187          (i) the commission's summary data report that is required in Section 11-49-202 ; and
             1188          (ii) any other document that is classified as public in accordance with Title 11, Chapter
             1189      49, Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission.
             1190          (2) The following records are private if properly classified by a governmental entity:
             1191          (a) records concerning a current or former employee of, or applicant for employment
             1192      with a governmental entity, including performance evaluations and personal status information
             1193      such as race, religion, or disabilities, but not including records that are public under Subsection
             1194      63G-2-301 (2)(b) or 63G-2-301 (3)(o), or private under Subsection (1)(b);
             1195          (b) records describing an individual's finances, except that the following are public:
             1196          (i) records described in Subsection 63G-2-301 (2);
             1197          (ii) information provided to the governmental entity for the purpose of complying with
             1198      a financial assurance requirement; or
             1199          (iii) records that must be disclosed in accordance with another statute;
             1200          (c) records of independent state agencies if the disclosure of those records would
             1201      conflict with the fiduciary obligations of the agency;
             1202          (d) other records containing data on individuals the disclosure of which constitutes a
             1203      clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
             1204          (e) records provided by the United States or by a government entity outside the state


             1205      that are given with the requirement that the records be managed as private records, if the
             1206      providing entity states in writing that the record would not be subject to public disclosure if
             1207      retained by it; and
             1208          (f) any portion of a record in the custody of the Division of Aging and Adult Services,
             1209      created in Section 62A-3-102 , that may disclose, or lead to the discovery of, the identity of a
             1210      person who made a report of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
             1211          (3) (a) As used in this Subsection (3), "medical records" means medical reports,
             1212      records, statements, history, diagnosis, condition, treatment, and evaluation.
             1213          (b) Medical records in the possession of the University of Utah Hospital, its clinics,
             1214      doctors, or affiliated entities are not private records or controlled records under Section
             1215      63G-2-304 when the records are sought:
             1216          (i) in connection with any legal or administrative proceeding in which the patient's
             1217      physical, mental, or emotional condition is an element of any claim or defense; or
             1218          (ii) after a patient's death, in any legal or administrative proceeding in which any party
             1219      relies upon the condition as an element of the claim or defense.
             1220          (c) Medical records are subject to production in a legal or administrative proceeding
             1221      according to state or federal statutes or rules of procedure and evidence as if the medical
             1222      records were in the possession of a nongovernmental medical care provider.
             1223          Section 32. Section 67-16-3 is amended to read:
             1224           67-16-3. Definitions.
             1225          As used in this chapter:
             1226          (1) "Agency" means any department, division, agency, commission, board, council,
             1227      committee, authority, or any other institution of the state or any of its political subdivisions.
             1228          (2) "Agency head" means the chief executive or administrative officer of any agency.
             1229          (3) "Assist" means to act, or offer or agree to act, in such a way as to help, represent,
             1230      aid, advise, furnish information to, or otherwise provide assistance to a person or business
             1231      entity, believing that such action is of help, aid, advice, or assistance to such person or business
             1232      entity and with the intent to assist such person or business entity.


             1233          (4) "Business entity" means a sole proprietorship, partnership, association, joint
             1234      venture, corporation, firm, trust, foundation, or other organization or entity used in carrying on
             1235      a business.
             1236          (5) "Compensation" means anything of economic value, however designated, which is
             1237      paid, loaned, granted, given, donated, or transferred to any person or business entity by anyone
             1238      other than the governmental employer for or in consideration of personal services, materials,
             1239      property, or any other thing whatsoever.
             1240          (6) "Controlled, private, or protected information" means information classified as
             1241      controlled, private, or protected in Title 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
             1242      Management Act, or other applicable provision of law.
             1243          (7) "Governmental action" means any action on the part of the state, a political
             1244      subdivision, or an agency, including:
             1245          (a) any decision, determination, finding, ruling, or order; and
             1246          (b) any grant, payment, award, license, contract, subcontract, transaction, decision,
             1247      sanction, or approval, or the denial thereof, or the failure to act in respect to.
             1248          (8) "Improper disclosure" means disclosure of controlled, private, or protected
             1249      information to any person who does not have the right to receive the information.
             1250          (9) "Legislative employee" means any officer or employee of the Legislature, or any
             1251      committee of the Legislature, who is appointed or employed to serve, either with or without
             1252      compensation, for an aggregate of less than 800 hours during any period of 365 days.
             1253      "Legislative employee" does not include legislators.
             1254          (10) "Legislator" means a member or member-elect of either house of the Legislature
             1255      of the state of Utah.
             1256          (11) "Political subdivision" means a district, [county,] school district, or any other
             1257      political subdivision of the state that is not an agency, but does not include [municipalities] a
             1258      municipality or a county.
             1259          (12) "Public employee" means a person who is not a public officer who is employed on
             1260      a full-time, part-time, or contract basis by the state or any of its political subdivisions. "Public


             1261      employee" does not include legislators or legislative employees.
             1262          (13) "Public officer" means all elected or appointed officers of the state or any of its
             1263      political subdivisions who occupy policymaking posts. "Public officer" does not include
             1264      legislators or legislative employees.
             1265          (14) "State" means the state of Utah.
             1266          (15) "Substantial interest" means the ownership, either legally or equitably, by an
             1267      individual, the individual's spouse, or the individual's minor children, of at least 10% of the
             1268      outstanding capital stock of a corporation or a 10% interest in any other business entity.
             1269          Section 33. Section 67-16-4 is amended to read:
             1270           67-16-4. Improperly disclosing or using private, controlled, or protected
             1271      information -- Using position to secure privileges or exemptions -- Accepting employment
             1272      which would impair independence of judgment or ethical performance -- Exceptions.
             1273          (1) [Except as provided in Subsection (3), it] It is an offense for a public officer, public
             1274      employee, or legislator, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of Section
             1275      63G-6-1001 or 76-8-105 , to:
             1276          (a) accept employment or engage in any business or professional activity that he might
             1277      reasonably expect would require or induce him to improperly disclose controlled information
             1278      that he has gained by reason of his official position;
             1279          (b) disclose or improperly use controlled, private, or protected information acquired by
             1280      reason of his official position or in the course of official duties in order to further substantially
             1281      the officer's or employee's personal economic interest or to secure special privileges or
             1282      exemptions for himself or others;
             1283          (c) use or attempt to use his official position to:
             1284          (i) further substantially the officer's or employee's personal economic interest; or
             1285          (ii) secure special privileges or exemptions for himself or others;
             1286          (d) accept other employment that he might expect would impair his independence of
             1287      judgment in the performance of his public duties; or
             1288          (e) accept other employment that he might expect would interfere with the ethical


             1289      performance of his public duties.
             1290          (2) (a) Subsection (1) does not apply to the provision of education-related services to
             1291      public school students by public education employees acting outside their regular employment.
             1292          (b) The conduct referred to in Subsection (2)(a) is subject to Section 53A-1-402.5 .
             1293          [(3) A county legislative body member who does not participate in the process of
             1294      selecting a mental health or substance abuse service provider does not commit an offense under
             1295      Subsection (1)(a) or (b) by:]
             1296          [(a) serving also as a member of the governing board of the provider of mental health
             1297      or substance abuse services under contract with the county; or]
             1298          [(b) discharging, in good faith, the duties and responsibilities of each position.]
             1299          Section 34. Section 67-16-15 is enacted to read:
             1300          67-16-15. Complaint -- Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission.
             1301          A person may file a complaint for an alleged violation of this chapter by a political
             1302      subdivision officer or employee in accordance with Title 11, Chapter 49, Political Subdivisions
             1303      Ethics Review Commission.
             1304          Section 35. Effective date.
             1305          This bill takes effect on September 1, 2012.


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