[r48] Ethics Bill Passes Through the House: Next up the Senate (1/13/2010)

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Start Date: 1/13/2010 All Day
End Date: 1/13/2010
STATEHOUSE- Today, the House passed reform to tighten rules on ethics procedures by a vote of 97 to 2. Some of the key points to the bill are:

. "Cooling off Period" - Legislators must wait at least one year after leaving office until they can become a registered lobbyist.

. Legislative gifts- Lobbyists would be required to report all gifts to legislators of at least $50. (Previously $100)

Indiana lawmakers have kept themselves clean from ethic scandals for many years, but the overwhelming majority of House members felt it was important to further increase transparency in the area of legislative ethics. More transparency will lead to greater confidence in our system. The ethics bill will now move to the Senate for debate and a vote.

"I'm glad to join my colleagues in passing responsible ethics reform which works towards better serving Indiana residents," Rep. Tim Neese (R-Elkhart) said. "I anticipate that the Senate will continue to improve on this legislation as it moves through the legislative process."

-30-