For purposes of §§ 2-12-15 to 2-12-19, inclusive, the term, public official, means:
(1) Any person holding a statewide office as defined in § 12-27-1, including any person who has been elected or appointed but who has not yet assumed office;
(2) Any head of an agency in the executive branch, including any person who has been appointed but who has not yet assumed office; or
(3) Any member or member-elect of the Legislature.