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Senate committee debates expanded financial‑disclosure boxes; amendment fails for lack of quorum
Summary
Senators debated Senate Bill 262, which would add additional categories and value ranges to statements of financial interest (including profit, commission and consulting fees). Members questioned whether reporting gross income is appropriate and whether the changes will achieve the intended transparency; an attempted amendment failed because the committee lacked a five‑member quorum.
Senate Bill 262 was presented to the committee to revise the statement of financial interest form by adding additional categories and value brackets — for example, inserting a midrange between $12,500 and $50,000 and adding profit, commission and consulting fees to the definition of reportable compensation.
The presenter said the changes reflect work by the ethics committee and a desire for consistency between House and Senate forms. Several senators offered substantive comments: one said gross income is a misleading accounting measure when expenses produce a net loss, and others said adding categories could force members to hire accountants to prepare disclosures. A senator expressed skepticism about whether additional reporting actually prevents misconduct, noting that people who intend to hide illegal gains can do so regardless of disclosure rules.
The committee attempted a roll call on an amendment, but the chair noted there were only three votes present and that five were required; the amendment failed for lack of quorum and the presenter moved on. The bill was carried forward after committee discussion with the presenter indicating she had taken concerns into account and amended the draft to respond to feedback.
No final floor passage or enactment decision was taken in the committee during this session; members left several drafting concerns recorded for follow-up.
