Comprehensive ethics reform has advanced through the House of Delegates. Senate Bill 649 was passed by the House on February 26 with a committee substitute.

The passed bill included an amendment prohibiting the governor and attorney general from accepting tangible gifts from representatives of companies engaged in litigation with the state. The amendment stems from former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s acceptance of Thanksgiving dinner from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams, and is designed to prohibit such conduct.

The Senate bill and a similar House proposal will likely be worked into one broad ethics proposal in conference committee before heading to Governor Terry McAuliffe for his signature.

Photo of the Virginia Capitol Rotunda courtesy of Albert Herring on Wikimedia Commons.