David Hunter

The meeting included reports on late filing fees and requests for relief, the Executive Director's report covering personnel activity, budget status, the budget process, and litigation status. There was a legislative update including consideration of position on new legislative bills, specifically LB 32 and LB 644. The commission evaluated the Interim Executive Director/Deputy Director and performance approval for Calendar Year 2024, determined the process for the June election of officers, and heard reports from the Conflicts Committee and Executive Committee. The meeting also covered announcements from a closed session regarding Executive Director v. Douglas Steffensmeier.

The open session meeting included the approval of the previous Open Session Minutes from December 5, 2025. Key discussion points in the Executive Director's Report covered attendance at the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL) conference, a presentation to the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO), and the upcoming presentation to the Nebraska League of Municipalities regarding conflicts of interest. Budget status indicated 38.5% expenditure of the annual budget six months into the fiscal year. Filing deadlines for Lobbyist and Principal 4th Quarter Reports, Annual candidate campaign statements, and Statements of Financial Interests were reviewed, noting some issues with new requirements for foreign adversary agent affirmation checkboxes. The Commission reported no pending litigation. The majority of the session was dedicated to a Legislative Update concerning several bills (LB772, LB776, LB791, LB904, LB905, LB927, LB986, LB1002, LB1017, LB1018), with the Executive Director recommending support for LB 1002 (increasing late filing fees) and a neutral position on others. The session concluded with brief reports from the Conflicts and Executive Committees, followed by a Closed Session.

The meeting addressed several administrative and legislative items. Key discussions included the filling of the Staff Auditor position and reports on recent presentations made by the Executive Director regarding public spending, conflicts of interest, and lobbying ethics. The Commission announced attendance at the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL) conference and scheduled future presentations for the NACO meeting. Updates were provided on the status of filed financial reports for lobbyists, principals, and ballot question committees. The Commission adopted the proposed meeting dates for 2026, adjusting the January date. A legislative update covered several bills pending in committee, including those addressing campaign fund usage, deceptive deep fakes, and contribution limits. Following a closed session, the Commission announced approval and ratification of three settlement agreements involving Hartley v. McKeon, Executive Director v. Henry (which included an agreement for the respondent to resign as Trustee), and Nelson v. Erdman, with associated civil penalties assessed in each case.

The meeting included an introduction to the new commissioner, J.L. Spray, and a discussion regarding the request from the Legislature for information regarding Commissioner Spray's background to assist in his Confirmation. The Executive Director's report covered personnel activity, budget status, the budget process, and litigation status. There was a discussion about LB 644, the Foreign Advisory and Terrorist Agent Registration Act, and the need for additional funding. The commission also discussed proposed meeting dates for 2026 and reports from the Conflicts and Executive Committees. The Commission approved the settlement agreement regarding Cynthia Hartley v. Senator Robert Hallstrom.

The meeting included welcoming a new commissioner, Adam Christensen, and discussing his background. The Executive Director reported on various activities, including personnel changes, budget status, a staff opinion requested by Senator Bob Hallstrom, and the conclusion of an audit by the State Auditor of Public Accounts. Legislative updates were provided, covering bills such as LB 32, LB 261, LR 217, LB521, and LB 644. The service of Commissioner Rod Anderson was recognized. The commission then moved to a closed session before returning to open session to announce the approval of a settlement agreement in the matter of Jena Orlowski v. Michael Frohberg. Finally, the election of officers was conducted, with Jeffrey Davis, Andrew Reuss, and Janet Chung elected as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary, respectively.