S.F. No. 1397 includes judges, justices, and county commissioners in the definition of “public official” for purposes of campaign finance and public disclosure laws.

Section 1 expands the definition of “public official” to include district court judges, appeals court judges, supreme court justices, and county commissioners for purposes of campaign finance and public disclosure laws.

Section 2 provides that provisions on conflicts of interest do not apply to judges or justices. Judges and justices are subject to conflict of interest previsions that apply specifically to the judicial system.

Section 3 removes the references to judges in the gift ban law.  This is because judges are now included in the definition of public officials, so a specific reference to judges is redundant.

Section 4 provides that the representation disclosure requirements do not apply to judges or justices.

Section 5 clarifies that a public official that is required to file a statement of economic interest must file it with the board.  If a position is defined both as a public official and a local official, the official must file the statement with the board.

Section 6 provides that this bill is effective on January 1, 2014, and applies to public officials elected or appointed to terms of office commencing on or after that date.

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