House

Bill 497
2016 Freedom Index Score (+1)
Analyst: Lindsay Russell Dexter
Date: February 23, 2016
ANALYSTS NOTE: House Bill 497 would require any office or department of state government, or a state
funded educational institution, that offers gifts to the legislative or executive branch of state
government to file the same reports as a lobbyist.
Point No. 8: Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or
otherwise compromise government transparency or accountability? Conversely, does it increase public
access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency or
accountability?

ANALYSIS: House Bill 497 increases government transparency by requiring any office or
department of state government, or a state funded educational institution, to disclose gifts given
to legislative or executive branch of state government. (+1)