June 15, 2017 •
Vermont Governor Signs Ethics Bill
Gov. Phil Scott signed Senate Bill 8 today, approving the creation of a state code of ethics and a state ethics commission. The five-member commission will review cases of unethical behavior and, if necessary, send the case to the attorney […]
Gov. Phil Scott signed Senate Bill 8 today, approving the creation of a state code of ethics and a state ethics commission.
The five-member commission will review cases of unethical behavior and, if necessary, send the case to the attorney general. The bill also prohibits former lawmakers and executive officers from lobbying for one year after leaving office and prohibits businesses from entering into certain contracts with state offices where they have made campaign contributions.
The new revolving door provision takes effect on July 1, 2017 and the contractor contribution restrictions take effect on December 16, 2018.
The Vermont House approved Senate Bill 8, a measure establishing a state ethics commission and providing greater transparency from those seeking public office. If both houses can agree on a final version, a five-member ethics commission would accept complaints and […]
The Vermont House approved Senate Bill 8, a measure establishing a state ethics commission and providing greater transparency from those seeking public office.
If both houses can agree on a final version, a five-member ethics commission would accept complaints and assign them to other agencies for investigation. The commission would also compile a report on complaints for the legislature.
The bill would require financial disclosures from candidates and their spouses, with the Senate version requiring disclosure of income tax returns. The bill also prohibits lawmakers and other high-level employees from becoming a lobbyist for one year after leaving office and restricts holders of certain no-bid contracts from making campaign contributions.
A conference committee will now work out the differences before sending the bill to the governor. Vermont is one of five states without a state ethics commission.
February 6, 2017 •
Vermont Legislation Looks to Strengthen State Ethics Laws
Lawmakers are currently considering a bill to strengthen the state’s ethics laws. Senate Bill 8 would, among other things, prohibit legislators and executive officers from becoming a lobbyist for one year after leaving office; create an ethics commission to, in […]
Lawmakers are currently considering a bill to strengthen the state’s ethics laws.
Senate Bill 8 would, among other things, prohibit legislators and executive officers from becoming a lobbyist for one year after leaving office; create an ethics commission to, in turn, create a state code of ethics; prohibit campaign donors from entering into no-bid contracts worth more than $50,000; and require municipalities to create conflict of interest policies.
The bill is expected to reach the full Senate this week.
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