Government Integrity & Performance

Legislative Concepts

Public Official Political Wagering Prohibition and Ethics Act. The Public Official Political Wagering Prohibition and Ethics Act prohibits state legislators, statewide elected officials, senior executive branch officials, and their immediate family members from wagering on elections, ballot measures, legislation, regulatory decisions, or other governmental actions within the state or federal government. The bill treats such activity as a conflict of interest and a breach of public trust. It establishes clear disclosure requirements, enforcement authority, civil penalties, and a private right of action to ensure compliance. Click for More Information

Fair Government Contracts Model Act. The Fair Government Contracts Model Act reduces pay-to-play risk by restricting political contributions from entities receiving public contracts or government financial benefits to officials who control or oversee those funds. The Act applies to executives and affiliated committees, requires disclosure and certification, and establishes penalties for violations. It separates taxpayer dollars from political fundraising to strengthen trust and fairness in contracting. Click for More Information

Executive Procurement Transparency and Non-Interference Act. The Executive Procurement Transparency and Non-Interference Act establishes transparency and enforceable guardrails to prevent undisclosed executive influence in state procurement decisions. It requires written documentation and public disclosure of communications by the Governor or other executive officers regarding specific vendors, and mandates certification that contract awards were not influenced by undisclosed political direction. The Act does not prohibit lawful policy input by elected officials, but it ensures that such input is documented, transparent, and subject to public scrutiny. By clarifying the boundary between executive oversight and vendor selection, the Act strengthens competitive bidding integrity and protects public confidence in state contracting. Click for More Information

Emergency Contract Reform and Accountability Act. The Emergency Contract Reform and Accountability Act strengthens oversight and limits abuse of emergency procurement authority in any state government. It requires detailed written findings before bypassing competitive bidding, imposes multi-level approval for large emergency contracts, mandates prompt legislative and independent audit notification, and establishes enforceable consequences for defective justifications. The legislation preserves flexibility for genuine emergencies while ensuring that the emergency exception does not become a shortcut around competitive procurement laws. By creating transparency and enforceable guardrails, the bill protects taxpayers and restores confidence in public contracting. Click for More Information

Mega-Project Truth in Economic Development Act. The Mega-Project Truth in Economic Development Act establishes minimum transparency and verification standards for large-scale economic development projects seeking public endorsement or financial incentives. It requires documented proof of financing, site control, and material contingencies before public promotion, and mandates disclosure of prior major projects proposed by a sponsor or its principals. The Act also requires independent validation of large economic impact claims and prohibits public incentives before a verified final investment decision. By grounding major project announcements in verifiable facts, the Act protects taxpayers and communities from inflated expectations while preserving the state’s ability to compete for legitimate investments. Click for More Information

Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act. The Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act expands transparency in lawmaking by requiring live-streamed sessions, real-time public access to legislative text, and structured public comment periods. The Act strengthens accountability mechanisms and creates oversight for compliance, backed by implementation requirements and enforcement. Its purpose is to make lawmaking easier to see, easier to follow, and harder to rush in the dark. Click for More Information

Honest Tax Impact Model Act. The Honest Tax Impact Model Act requires major tax proposals to include plain-language fiscal notes before hearings or votes. The Act explains who pays more, who pays less, and how changes may affect funding for services like schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. By requiring nonpartisan preparation and advance public disclosure, it improves transparency and reduces surprise tax policy. Click for More Information

Trade Truth and Transparency Act. The Trade Truth and Transparency Act requires an annual public report analyzing how federal trade policies, including tariffs, affect in-state industries, workers, and communities. By assessing employment, costs, exports, and regional impacts, the Act grounds trade debates in clear, nonpartisan data. Its purpose is to give policymakers and the public an honest picture of how national trade decisions play out in the real economy. Click for More Information

Education Impact Transparency Act. The Education Impact Transparency Act requires a rapid, independent public assessment when major reductions occur to the U.S. Department of Education’s scope, workforce, or budget. The study must provide district- and school-level impact analysis and be released within a defined timeframe so families and taxpayers can understand consequences quickly. It also adds accountability by documenting elected officials’ public positions related to the reductions. Click for More Information

Elected Official Accountability Residency Act. The Elected Official Accountability Residency Act limits how much time state-elected officials may spend outside the state during their term and requires regular public reporting of travel. The Act is intended to strengthen constituent connection, transparency, and responsiveness while allowing exceptions for official duties and emergencies. Enforcement and penalties support compliance and accountability. Click for More Information

Efficiency First Commission Act. The Efficiency First Commission Act creates a temporary, independent commission to review state government operations and recommend reforms to improve service delivery and reduce waste. The commission evaluates agency functions, identifies redundancies, reviews regulations for modernization, and proposes cost-saving measures, with public engagement and transparent reporting. Its goal is a leaner government that delivers better outcomes. Click for More Information

Healthcare Accountability and Transparency Act. The Healthcare Accountability and Transparency Act increases oversight of health insurers to protect patients and improve access to care. By requiring public reporting, enforcing timely authorization decisions, and strengthening financial accountability, the Act promotes fair practices and transparency. Limits on executive compensation for insurers receiving public funds align incentives with patient interests. Click for More Information

State REAL Act. The State REAL Act establishes transparency standards for the use of generative AI in official state communications. Agencies must disclose when AI is used to create or materially alter public-facing content, with defined rules for sensitive topics such as emergencies, elections, public health, and public safety. The Act promotes responsible use through documentation, procurement requirements, staff training, and implementation guidance from the State Chief Information Officer. Click for More Information

RURAL Act. The RURAL Act ensures lawmakers understand how proposed legislation affects rural communities by creating a formal Rural Impact Report process. The Act requires analysis of economic, educational, and regulatory impacts on rural districts and compares them with suburban and urban effects. By making these reports public and timely, the Act improves transparency and helps prevent unintended consequences for rural areas. Click for More Information

Fair Use of Federal Disaster Aid Act. The Fair Use of Federal Disaster Aid Act prioritizes disaster relief for state residents and local businesses directly impacted by disasters. It limits eligibility for foreign-owned corporations unless a narrow waiver is justified for critical recovery needs and requires transparent reporting on allocations. The Act aims to reinforce fairness, accountability, and public trust in disaster recovery. Click for More Information

Federal Balanced Budget Compliance Act. The Federal Balanced Budget Compliance Act requires the state to reject federal funding until the federal government is certified as operating under a balanced budget. The Act is designed to pressure federal fiscal discipline while requiring impact mitigation planning and periodic reporting to manage effects on state programs. A sunset mechanism limits the policy’s duration and adds review triggers tied to federal budget performance. Click for More Information