as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/21/2012 09:09am
A bill for an act
relating to legislative ethics; requiring the senate and house of representatives to
adopt rules prohibiting improper use of confidential information by legislators;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 3.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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(a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in
this subdivision have the meanings given.
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(b) "Confidential information" means any information provided to, acquired by, or
received by a legislator in connection with the legislator's role or status as a legislator,
which is not available to the general public.
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(c) "Improper use of confidential information" means a legislator's use of confidential
information to further the legislator's private financial interest, whether through purchase
or sale of an investment or otherwise.
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(d) "Legislator" means a member of the Minnesota senate or Minnesota house of
representatives.
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(e) "Private financial interest" means any situation in which a legislator, or a member
of a legislator's family, benefits financially.
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The Minnesota senate and the Minnesota house of
representatives shall, no later than the conclusion of the 2012 legislative session, each
adopt internal rules specifically prohibiting improper use of confidential information by its
members and providing for appropriate internal punishment for violations.
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This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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