It is the intent of the general assembly that the integrity of the processes of government be secured and protected from abuse. The general assembly recognizes that a public office is a public trust and that the citizens of Tennessee are entitled to a responsive, accountable, and incorruptible government. The Tennessee ethics commission is established to sustain the public's confidence in government by increasing the integrity and transparency of state and local government through regulation of lobbying activities, financial disclosure requirements, and ethical conduct. A determination of the intent of the general assembly shall be based on the operative statutory provisions, as well as the legislative history pertaining to such statutory provisions, as evidenced by legislative committee and floor actions, discussions and debates.