Governor Katie Hobbs Unveils Ethics and Transparency Reform Package
Package Aims to Strengthen Oversight of Campaigning, Lobbying & More
Governor Katie Hobbs this week unveiled a broad ethics and transparency reform package aimed at strengthening oversight of government contracting, campaign finance, and interactions with lobbyists amid ongoing scrutiny over "pay-to-play" concerns.
Her plan would create a searchable state contractor database, limit campaign contributions from potential bidders during active procurement, and ban lobbyist gifts to officials.
Sen. TJ Shope is championing a competing disclosure proposal — identical to a bill the governor vetoed last year. Shope's bill would require companies and their leadership to disclose financial support to a governor's campaign or political group when bidding on state contracts.
Discussions are underway as the Legislature considers how to move forward with legislation that addresses concerns from both sides.
