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Governor-Appointed Panel Examines State and Local Ethics Laws

A blue-ribbon panel created by Governor McAuliffe to probe state and local ethics laws and recommend reforms met for the first time Monday and got right to work. After approving a statement of principles, the Governor’s Commission on Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government then plunged into a discussion of current laws among the states … and ethics policies that are thought to be “best practices” nationwide.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, with the governor’s December 1st deadline for their proposals just around the corner, the members speedily reached a consensus on a number of concepts. 

The members discussed whether gift and disclosure laws should apply to ALL state and local citizen boards. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova said burdensome laws could make it harder to find citizen appointees.

“We could make it too difficult for someone to serve in different capacities.”

They agreed there should be a balance. Co-chair and former Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling called for adding intangible gifts to the current 250-dollar tangible gift limit —and tying them to official business.

“Official legislative travel, which would be an intangible gift, could easily exceed $250. And I think there could be a process by which waivers could be sought."

Co-chair and former 9th district Congressmen Rick Boucher advocated strong ethics panels for oversight and enforcement—with one over the executive branch.

“We could have corresponding to that a bicameral commission that has purview of the legislature with members of the Virginia House and Senate making appointments to that.”

The members will next focus on redistricting—and agreed that an independent commission is essential.

The commission will hold a public hearing on Nov. 6th at 6 p.m. at the UVa School of Law.  The public can also submit ideas through a page located on the governor’s website.