CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s ethics law is making room for a few more teeth.
On the final day of the session, the House of Delegates and Senate finally came to terms on a bill that had divided them for almost two months.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Corey Palumbo, D-Kanawha, said the conferees embraced all of his chamber’s provisions save one — the one-year wait before public officials upon leaving their jobs could work as lobbyists.
Delegates had held out for a bill that would have become effective within three months of passage.
Under the compromise, the law becomes effective July 1 this year, provided that acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signs it.
The measure covers all members of the executive department under the direct supervision of the secretaries, the Supreme Court and heads of state departments and agencies.
The idea of the ethics law is to mandate that spouses of public officials disclose their personal holdings.
The bill originated a year ago with the Republican caucus in the House of Delegates and came under intense scrutiny and debate in this session.
Both houses unanimously approved the bill.
In recent years, concern has been voiced that some legislators voted on legislation in which a spouse had a personal, financial interest.
Anyone serving as an unpaid volunteer on a board, unless they are receiving some per diem reimbursement, wouldn’t be covered.
The Senate held out for a more narrow scope of who is covered.
“What we’re shooting for are people who have more influence over what goes on in government,” Palumbo had explained earlier.
— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com
Local News
March 13, 2011
Lawmakers agree to strengthen ethics law after long disagreement
- Local News
-
-
Two rescued from New River after fast rise of water
Two victims were rescued Sunday night from a rock in the New River in the Cotton Hill area which parallels Route 16 near Chimney Corner, according to public information officer for Ansted and Fayetteville fire departments Meredith Gray.
-
Still together, triplets prepare for college move
When Robin and Dennis M. Daniel, of Fairdale, had an ultrasound at eight weeks, they were expecting twins.
-
Oceana man receives prison time for drug dealing role
An Oceana man is facing up to 90 years in prison for his role in drug distribution in Wyoming County, according to Prosecuting Attorney Rick Staton.
-
Wyoming board renews contracts of three officials
Wyoming County Board of Education members renewed contracts for the three superintendents during their May 16 meeting.
- National Park Service ranger releases name of boating victim
- Learning Tree school bus crashes into utility pole
- Black fly spraying planned
- Firefighters respond to fire at store
- Calendar — Monday, May 28, 2012
- New River to offer new degree in social services
- More Local News Headlines
-
Two rescued from New River after fast rise of water
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
