Representative Dan Daley (D-Coral Springs) has filed House Bill 241 – Ethics for Public Officers and Employees of Special Districts. This bill requires special district board members to take ethics training and closes an ethics loophole.
This bill is a direct result of the controversy with the North Springs Improvement District. Numerous complaints about the District’s operation and actions have occurred, including alleged nepotism, cronyism, unethical practices, and potential illegalities. Recently, local news outlets have reported on the District Director’s use of an ethics loophole to pay himself $240,000 in real estate commission.
The bill, if passed, would require district board members to complete four hours of ethics training each year. The training would cover topics such as conflicts of interest, financial disclosure, and ethical decision-making. In addition, the bill would close a loophole that currently allows district board members and officials to secure contracts with their own agencies.
“Public trust in government is essential to a healthy democracy, and it’s important that we do everything we can to ensure that our elected officials are held to the highest ethical standards,” said Representative Dan Daley. “This bill takes steps to eliminate an ethics loophole and mandates ethics training for public officials to safeguard the public’s trust.”
