Ethics commission seeks staff to handle filings returned by SB 199

David Amati of the State Ethics Commission told the committee the commission's FY27 request includes a new attorney and trainer position requested through the governor's budget office. The need, Amati said, follows Senate Bill 199, which will return certain local filer responsibilities to the state ethics commission beginning in 2027.

Amati said the commission expects increased call volume, training and education needs as a result and that the change responds to conflicts and problems that had arisen when local clerks handled filings for officials they worked for. He said the commission's new e-filing system has performed well in recent months and that stakeholders including ACCG and GMA supported moving filing responsibilities back to the commission.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about the new filing system and the scope of responsibilities the commission will assume; Amati said the commission will be the clearinghouse for filings and will provide training and support to local governments and filers.

What's next: The committee received the presentation and had no further action recorded at the hearing.