House Increases Power of Ethics Commission
Thursday, June 03, 2010
The Rhode Island House yesterday approved a measure that would allow voters to restore the power of the Ethics Commission over state lawmakers.
The bill, which still needs approval from the Senate, would ask voters to approve a constitutional amendment in the November election. The Ethics Commission once did oversee House and Senate members, but its jurisdiction was removed by a 2009 state Supreme Court decision.
The commission would have the power to investigate alleged violations of the state ethics code, impose penalties and, if impeachment is not an option, remove a person from office.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHouse Speaker Gordon Fox said that when voters approved the establishment of the Ethics Commission that they intended for it to have jurisdiction over all officials, including legislators.
"We need the guidance and oversight of the Ethics Commission just as much as other branches of government do,” said Fox (D-Dist. 4, Providence). “Putting this on the ballot will allow voters to reaffirm that they mean for the Ethics Commission to have the same jurisdiction over members of the legislature that they have over all other public officials, and I’m confident that they’ll approve it and set the record straight.”
