A Senate committee wrestled Tuesday with what financial information high-up state officials, legislators and political candidates would have to supply to a statewide ethics commission.
One area of discussion focused on whether lawyers, housepainters or others who have clients would have to disclose their names. Committee members said they understood concerns that disclosing those names could violate ethics, as in the case of lawyers.
Sen. Jeanette White, D-Windham, said the Senate Government Operations Committee would finish its work Thursday. Any bill passed by the Senate would also need House approval.
Under the current proposal, the statewide ethics commission would set out criteria for conflicts of interest, financial disclosures and a code of ethics. Its would apply to state officials from the governor down to director-level positions in state agencies.
Candidates for statewide office and legislative positions would also be required to file a report, as would legislators themselves, but any violation alleged against a lawmaker would be sent to that chamber’s separate ethics board.
Under the current proposal, income of $5,000 or more would have to be disclosed. Committee member Joe Benning, R-Caledonia, a lawyer, said he was concerned that would mean he would have to identify individual clients. However, he also said the purpose of the commission would be to provide the public confidence by disclosing information that would show whether he had a client who was going to benefit by any legislation.
Sen. Anthony Pollina, P/D-Washington, suggested requiring disclosure of only the total amount earned by lawyers and contractors but not the individual clients’ names.
Seperately from the statewide commission, the House has set up its own internal ethics committee, while the Senate is still working to form one as well.
