The head of the state Ethics Commission said the 2008 legislative session turned out to be a surprisingly successful one, with lawmakers passing all legislation and rules proposed by the commission.
The head of the state Ethics Commission said the 2008 legislative session turned out to be a surprisingly successful one, with lawmakers passing all legislation and rules proposed by the commission.
"The Legislature has respect for the commission, I think," executive director Lew Brewer said at the commission Thursday meeting. "I think they're listening to what we think state ethics law should look like."
Among the laws and rule changes passed during the 2008 session are provisions to:
Set limits on solicitations by law enforcement associations and officers.
Those include provisions to generally prohibit police officers from soliciting for contributions while in uniform, or to disclose rank or title in telephone solicitations.
Also, if law enforcement associations give window decals to contributors, those decals must come with a disclaimer advising that the recipient is not entitled to any special treatment from officers.
Initially, the commission had proposed prohibiting law enforcement associations from giving out decals - citing the widespread assumption that the decals provide leniency during traffic stops - but state lawmakers removed that ban.
Clarify that the $25 limit on the value of gifts public officials may accept from lobbyists or other interested parties applies to the total value of all gifts received from the individual in a calendar year - and is not a per-gift limit.
Expand the "revolving door" prohibition that prevents public officials and employees from accepting employment with a regulated business to include employment with vendors and contractors who have been awarded state contracts.
Expand the grounds when public officials may not vote on matters to include any matter that involves any businesses where any immediate family member is employed or associated. Previously, public officials were to recuse themselves only if they had a direct financial interest in the public contract.
Prevent public officials from voting on any personnel matters involving an immediate family member.
To contact staff writer Phil Kabler, use e-mail or call 348-1220.
The head of the state Ethics Commission said the 2008 legislative session turned out to be a surprisingly successful one, with lawmakers passing all legislation and rules proposed by the commission.
"The Legislature has respect for the commission, I think," executive director Lew Brewer said at the commission Thursday meeting. "I think they're listening to what we think state ethics law should look like."
Among the laws and rule changes passed during the 2008 session are provisions to:
Set limits on solicitations by law enforcement associations and officers.Those include provisions to generally prohibit police officers from soliciting for contributions while in uniform, or to disclose rank or title in telephone solicitations.
Also, if law enforcement associations give window decals to contributors, those decals must come with a disclaimer advising that the recipient is not entitled to any special treatment from officers.
Initially, the commission had proposed prohibiting law enforcement associations from giving out decals - citing the widespread assumption that the decals provide leniency during traffic stops - but state lawmakers removed that ban.
Clarify that the $25 limit on the value of gifts public officials may accept from lobbyists or other interested parties applies to the total value of all gifts received from the individual in a calendar year - and is not a per-gift limit.Expand the "revolving door" prohibition that prevents public officials and employees from accepting employment with a regulated business to include employment with vendors and contractors who have been awarded state contracts.Expand the grounds when public officials may not vote on matters to include any matter that involves any businesses where any immediate family member is employed or associated. Previously, public officials were to recuse themselves only if they had a direct financial interest in the public contract.Prevent public officials from voting on any personnel matters involving an immediate family member.To contact staff writer Phil Kabler, use e-mail or call 348-1220.
