NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Ethics Commission staff found Governor Bill Lee violated state ethics rules by accepting an all expenses paid trip to Florida from a Christian non-profit legal group.
The trip to Marco Island, Florida, first reported by The Tennessean, was paid for by Alliance Defending Freedom - a nonprofit who works to 'advance the God-given right to live and speak the truth,' according to its website. Gov. Lee traveled there July 9-10 to speak at the group's annual conference.
During the state Ethics Commission meeting Tuesday morning, staff presented a report that said the governor violated state ethics rules. The report was then approved by the entire board.
Gov. Lee's office said they reached out the the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance for clarity around their interpretation of the law. Elizabeth Johnson, Lee's press secretary, said the expenses were paid back given their guidance.
The Tennessean obtained copies of the governor's official schedules through a public records request to confirm Lee's attendance at ADF's annual summit. The paper reported the trip was not publicly announced or documented on his social media accounts. They found the only mention of his travel to the conference is an expense note in his campaign finance disclosure.
Tennessee ethics laws prohibit employers of lobbyists from giving gifts or paying for travel of elected officials.