Rules Committee Clears Bill to Clarify Where Form 10 Ethics Filings Go

Tallahassee — The House Rules and Ethics Committee on Feb. 5 unanimously approved HB 60, a bill intended to remove outdated statutory language and make clear that Form 10, the annual disclosure for gifts and related expenses, is filed with the Commission on Ethics.

Representative Ben Roach, the bill sponsor, told the committee that the current gift statute had not been updated to match modern e-filing practices. "This bill removes the outdated language, so it is clear that all Form 10 filings go to the Commission on Ethics," Roach said during his explanation of the measure.

Committee staff called the roll and the committee recorded 15 yays, 0 nays; Hart Lohman and Smith were excused. The clerk announced the tally and the chair stated the bill was reported favorably to the next step in the process.

Chair Garrison recognized one proponent on the testimony sheet: Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics was listed as supporting the bill on a testimony card, but no witness spoke on the record. The sponsor offered no amendments and closed without further debate.

The committee’s action clears HB 60 for further consideration by the full House under the chamber’s procedures. Members were reminded that the special order schedule for the Feb. 11 session was on the desk and that amendment deadlines for that session are the following day.

The committee adjourned after adopting the special order letter and hearing a short exchange of congratulatory remarks.