SF3267

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to prevent conflicts of interest within the Minnesota state government by prohibiting legislators and executive branch appointees from receiving compensation from nonprofit organizations that receive state grant funding.

Main Provisions

• Legislator Restrictions: The bill prohibits sitting members of the Minnesota legislature from taking employment with or being compensated by:
  1. Businesses primarily engaged in government lobbying or government affairs services.
  2. Businesses facilitating government relations between third parties.
  3. Businesses employing lobbyists or government affairs professionals if the legislator's role involves similar work.
  4. Nonprofit organizations receiving state grant funding.
• Executive Branch Appointee Restrictions: Individuals appointed to multimember agencies within the executive branch, such as commissioners or deputy commissioners, are prohibited from being employed by or receiving compensation from state-funded nonprofit organizations while serving.
• Continuation of Existing Restrictions: Former commissioners or deputy commissioners are restricted from participating in any proceedings of their former department or agency, representing private interests, for one year after their service ends.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Extends existing employment restrictions for legislators and executive branch appointees by newly including nonprofit organizations with state grant funding. This adds a layer of accountability and seeks to prevent conflicts of interest regarding legislative and administrative decisions affecting such nonprofits.

Relevant Terms

nonprofit organizations, state grant funding, legislators, executive branch appointees, lobbying, government affairs, conflict of interest, commissioners, deputy commissioners, Minnesota state government