Michigan Public Trust and Decision Integrity Act

Section 1. Purpose The purpose of this Act is to strengthen public trust in state and local government by reducing the risk and appearance of preferential treatment in high-discretion government decisions. This Act establishes clear disclosure and advisory standards while preserving lawful and ethical public service. Section 2. Covered Officials This Act applies to the following “covered officials” within the State of Michigan: - The Governor and Lieutenant Governor - Members of the Legislature - State department directors and agency heads - County executives, mayors, and chief administrative officers of local governments Section 3. Disclosure of Post-Decision Employment If an immediate family member of a covered official accepts employment from a material beneficiary of a discretionary government action within two (2) years of that action, the covered official shall file a disclosure with the Michigan State Ethics Commission within 30 days of learning of the employment. The disclosure shall include: - The name of the employer - The relationship to the covered official - The relevant government action - Disclosure alone does not constitute wrongdoing. Section 4. Cooling-Off Certification For any high-discretion government action, a covered official shall certify that they have advised immediate family members to avoid seeking employment with material beneficiaries for twelve (12) months following final approval of the action. Section 5. Appearance of Impropriety Advisory Standard The Michigan State Ethics Commission may issue non-binding advisory findings when conduct creates a reasonable appearance of preferential treatment, even if no violation of law has occurred. Advisory findings shall: - Carry no criminal or civil penalties - Be issued solely for transparency and public reporting Section 6. Safe Harbor No advisory finding shall be issued if: - The employment was publicly posted and competitively filled - The covered official had no prior knowledge of the application - A timely disclosure was filed under this Act Section 7. Prospective Application This Act applies only to conduct occurring after its effective date. Section 8. Effective Date This Act shall take effect 60 days after enactment.