2021 House Bill 4591

Ban state "severance pay" and “confidentiality agreements” with officials

Introduced in the House

March 25, 2021

Introduced by Rep. John Roth (R-104)

To prohibit the state from entering “severance pay,” “nondisclosure” or “confidentiality” agreements with current or prospective government officials and appointees, subject a fine of up to $2,500. Specifically, such agreements would be unlawful if the payment exceeded 12 weeks of the individual's regular pay, or prohibited him or her from revealing factual information about an alleged violation of law. This would not apply to unionized state employees whose terms of employment are already specified by a union contract. The bill comes after it was revealed the former head of the state health department who resigned during the coronavirus epidemic was the beneficiary of such a deal.

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

April 22, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 4, 2021

Passed in the House 110 to 0 (details)

Received in the Senate

May 5, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

March 23, 2022

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.