Knox County ethics subcommittee reviews redlined code; legal counsel cautions on authority and free-speech limits

The Knox County Ethics Committee Subcommittee met Friday morning to review a redline draft of the county Code of Ethics and to discuss a package of proposed additions ranging from expanded disclosure requirements to social-media and whistleblower provisions.

The meeting, convened at 8:30 a.m., was largely a working session: committee members discussed about eight or nine suggested changes but made no final policy decisions. The panel approved the October minutes and agreed to continue review at a Dec. 3 meeting; members asked the law department to provide a formal opinion before the subcommittee forwards recommendations to the full county commission.

The redline draft presented by the chair retains the current code (shown in black) and marks proposed additions in red. Key proposals discussed included broadening the definition of "personal interest" to capture investments, outside employment and relationships with entities doing business with the county; requiring certain officials who vote on measures to file annual disclosure forms with the county clerk; expressly listing "things of value" to capture flights and campaign-related benefits; and…