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Ethics Commission trims complaint against Susan Haney after 2024 jurisdictional change
Summary
Staff told the Commission on Ethics that a 2024 amendment to section 112.324 limits investigative jurisdiction to allegations based on personal knowledge or non-hearsay; the commission adopted an order dismissing several allegations against Susan Haney and preserved only allegations tied to CE Form 1 filings and public records.
The Commission on Ethics adopted a draft order narrowing the allegations in complaint 17-107 against Susan Haney after staff concluded a 2024 amendment to section 112.324, Florida Statutes, restricts the commission to investigating allegations based on personal knowledge or information other than hearsay.
Amelia Naomi, who presented the draft order, told commissioners the new jurisdictional standard means some allegations previously found probable cause are legally insufficient today. Staff recommended keeping only allegations that rely on Haney's CE Form 1 filings (years 2012–2016) and records from the Florida Division of Corporations, which appear admissible under public-records and business-records hearsay exceptions. Staff recommended dismissing allegations that were based solely on news articles because those would be inadmissible hearsay under the new standard.
Commissioner Lyall asked for clarification about whether the change was retroactive; staff and counsel explained the commission is applying the statute to active cases that have not reached a final determination. Mr. Herren, counsel for Susan Haney, thanked the commission; after brief discussion the commission adopted the draft order by roll call.
The order preserves the allegations tied to the respondent's CE Form 1 filings and dismisses other claims for lack of jurisdiction; the commission will sign and enter the formal order in due course.
