New legislative leaders plan for major ethics reform

Utah lawmakers say they're preparing to consider a broad list of ethics reform measures for the upcoming session. It's something advocates of reform have been pushing for years.

Over the past several months, we've had investigations and hearings about series of allegations of unethical behavior -- accusations including bribery and intimidation.

Those things contributed to a very contentious election season. Notably, House Speaker Greg Curtis lost his seat, and both parties have now chosen new leaders. So, there's a lot of momentum for change.

Incoming House Speaker Dave Clark has a list of ethics reform proposals:

1. A gift ban (including meals and Jazz tickets)
2. A ban on personal use of campaign funds
3. A limit on campaign contributions
4. New "revolving door" rules that would require a lawmaker be out of office for a year before they could become a lobbyist
5. Reforming the ethics complaint/hearing process

Former lawmaker Susan Lawrence, whose letter about unethical behavior on Capitol Hill sparked a huge ethics fight this fall, says she's pleased to see where things are going.

"It's been difficult for many people. Because of that, it feels really good to think that maybe it was worth it. If we really can truly have some significant ethics discussion and change, it will have been worth, very worth it," Lawrence said.

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, a former lawmaker who pushed ethics reform for years, is also pleased with the proposed changes.

"It's important for the public to have confidence in what we do as elected officials, and we've got to have standards in place that reflect with the public expects," he said.

For more from Susan Lawrence on what she thinks of Clark's ethics reform proposals, click the corresponding video above.

For information on what other state legislatures around the country are doing with ethics reform, CLICK HERE.

E-mail: jdaley@ksl.com

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