PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island voters will be asked in November to approve a constitutional amendment that would restore the state’s Ethics Commission power investigate and sanction lawmakers for conflicts of interest.
House and Senate lawmakers on Thursday unanimously passed legislation putting the question on the ballot. It would restore the powers taken from the commission in a 2009 court ruling.
Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello said the reform will bring a strong sense of accountability to both chambers.
Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed says the passage will increase transparency and accountability, and will help ensure the confidence of the citizens in their government.
Some lawmakers were concerned about politically motivated complaints. The Ethics Commission is looking at creating a moratorium on complaints before elections.
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This story has been corrected to show the Senate president’s first name is Teresa, not Theresa
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