Section 1012.977 - Disclosure of contracts that affect the integrity of state universities or entities; penalties(1) Any person employed by a state university or entity engaging in research which was created or authorized pursuant to part II of chapter 1004 consents to the policies of the university or entity, the regulations of the Board of Governors, and the laws of this state. At a minimum, such policies shall require employees engaged in the design, conduct, or reporting of research to disclose and receive a determination that the outside activity or financial interest does not affect the integrity of the state university or entity.(2)(a) "Financial interest" includes anything of value other than that provided directly by the university or entity.(b) "Outside activity" includes anything an employee does for an organization or an individual, other than the university or entity, that is related to the employee's expertise.(3) An employee who has failed to disclose any outside activity or financial interest as required by subsection (1) shall be suspended without pay pending the outcome of an investigation which shall not exceed 60 days. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the university or entity may terminate the contract of the employee.Added by 2020 Fla. Laws, ch. 117, s 18, eff. 7/1/2020.