MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont is close to establishing a state ethics commission and a statewide ethics code.
The House gave preliminary approval Monday to the measure that would provide a way to investigate ethical complaints about state officials. The Senate has already approved it.
Vermont is one of only a handful of states without an ethics commission.
Some, mostly lawmakers, say the bill is unnecessary and argue that Vermont’s government can oversee itself and that strict ethics codes will discourage people from entering state government.
But others counter the bill is too weak. They say an ethics commission should have investigative power.
Under the measure set to become law, the commission would forward complaints to the relevant state agency.
Republican Gov. Phil Scott has said he would sign the bill.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.