The Tennessee Ethics Commission has dismissed a complaint against state Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds after she repaid over $2,000 spent by an education group to send her to two conferences. Rep. Caleb Hemmer filed the complaint, alleging violations of state law and an executive order by the governor. Despite finding the need to address the matter disappointing, the commission determined there was insufficient probable cause to proceed after Reynolds reimbursed the expenses.
The commission voted 4-0 to dismiss the complaint in a closed meeting, with two members absent and one voting by phone. They decided not to refer the matter to the Attorney General’s Office for further investigation. Hemmer’s complaint stemmed from reports that Reynolds attended conferences paid for by ExcelinEd, a group she previously worked for that advocates for charter and voucher programs. Accepting gifts from such groups violates state law and an executive order by Governor Bill Lee.
Executive Director Bill Young informed Hemmer that the commission’s goal is to ensure compliance, and since Reynolds repaid the money, no further action is necessary. The commission did not find evidence that Reynolds knowingly broke the law by accepting a prohibited gift from a lobbyist’s employer. However, they deemed Reynolds’ repayment satisfactory and concluded that no further action was required.
The commission also recommended that all members of the governor’s cabinet attend ethics training. This decision comes after a thorough review of the complaint against Reynolds and reflects the commission’s commitment to upholding ethical standards in state government.
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