Ethics and Internal Governance

Requires members of a public body to complete a minimum of two hours of training, with one hour on the state's open meetings law and one hour on freedom of information law; requires certain local, city, county, town and village public body members to complete such training as well.

Relates to the annual statement of financial disclosure and the posting of financial disclosure filings for candidates for statewide elected office or candidates for a member of the legislature.

Relates to the annual statement of financial disclosure and the posting of financial disclosure filings for candidates for statewide elected office or candidates for a member of the legislature.

Relates to the ethical standards of officers or employees of a state agency, members of the legislature and legislative employees with regard to engaging in acts of discrimination, sexual harassment or creating a hostile workplace.

This bill modifies the public officers law to create an exception for student interns regarding the two-year lobbying ban that applies to former legislative employees. Under the new provision, student interns participating in college, university, or legislative programs are allowed to work as lobbyists immediately after their service ends, whereas other former employees must wait two years before representing clients before the legislature. The change specifically permits these interns to receive compensation for promoting or opposing legislation without the usual waiting period, while maintaining the restriction for non-student legislative staff.