Ethics

2010 Ethics Reform Initiatives

Voices of reason speak out against what has come to light as an "unethical" ethics initiative:

The Sutherland Institute Formally Opposes Ethics Reform Initiative - The Sutherland Institute
www.unethicalreform.org - You can be FOR ethics and AGAINST this initiative - by Peter H. Roehm
The Ethics Initiative . . . CZARS . . . and, SUPER CZARS! - by Rep. Craig Frank (House District 57)
Major flaw in ethics initiative - The Daily Herald

Current Ethics Law

Current ethics laws prohibit legislators from receiving tangible gifts over $10 and require disclosure for meals over $25 (meals over $50 are prohibited). Campaign contributions over $50 must be disclosed by name and donor. A legislator's occupation, employment, and business holding must also be disclosed. Legislators are also prohibited from contacting judges regarding pending cases.

Proposed Ethics Legislation

Proposed changes to current ethics legislation would (1) Establish an independent ethics commission similar to a grand jury; (2) Make it illegal to convert campaign funds to personal use; (3) Require disclosure of the occupation, employment, and business holdings of a legislator's spouse.