increase legislative oversight procedures and protections against conflicts of interest, and to provide a penalty therefor.

SB 155 strengthens legislative oversight by expanding subpoena and document-request powers to both the Government Operations and Audit Committee and the Judiciary Committees in the House and Senate. It prohibits retaliation against state employees, consultants, or contractors who cooperate with investigations, allowing civil lawsuits for damages, back pay, or whistleblower rewards up to $50,000. The bill also extends a two-year ban on former state officials (including department heads) working as lobbyists or accepting contracts they previously approved, with violations now classified as felonies. These changes aim to improve transparency and accountability in state government operations.