Committee pushes to expand 'personal interest' definition and tighten gift language in Jackson City ethics code

Jackson City’s Audit Committee recommended amendments to the municipal ethics ordinance to expand the definition of personal interest and to narrow the reach of gift‑and‑reward language.

Councilman Richard Darnell moved that the committee recommend to the city council an amendment inserting grandparents, grandchildren and domestic partners into the ordinance’s definition of personal interest; the motion was seconded and the committee approved it. The city attorney, Teresa Luna, will draft proposed language for review.

Members debated how to define a domestic partnership. Sean Evans observed that cohabitation patterns have changed and suggested including domestic partners; members discussed options ranging from a short cohabitation period to a definition tied to legal residence. Attorney Luna said the current city ordinance “tracks state law” and noted the city may choose to go beyond the state floor. She agreed to research Tennessee case law to help craft an appropriate definition.

The committee also agreed to recommend insertion of the word "official" (or language such as "exercise of discretion") in the ordinance’s past‑action/gift provisions to limit the rule to conduct performed in office. Members argued the change would make it clearer the ethics code targets official acts rather than purely private behavior. One member moved to adopt Model Code language that requires a "reasonable person" standard for interpretation and enforcement so that the committee’s judgment would be guided by what a reasonable person would find unethical.

Next steps: the city attorney will draft proposed ordinance language addressing (1) inclusion of grandparents/grandchildren/domestic partners, (2) insertion of "official" in the relevant sections, and (3) a reasonable‑person interpretation clause for committee consideration before a recommendation to the city council.