Joe Smith: Update-Inching Closer to a Bi-Partisan Ethics Bill in the House

Restoring the public's trust in our elected officials has been a top priority set forth by Speaker Ron Richard and members of the House of Representatives this session.  There is no question that when you elect someone to represent you, you should have full trust and confidence in that person.

This isn't my Chamber, this is the people's Chamber and because of that, I take pride in my work in the State Capitol.  I conduct business with integrity and honesty.  In addition to this personal conviction, members of the House of Representatives are working to create legislation that would reiterate these traits.  During his opening day speech, the Speaker announced his creation of his Special Standing Committee on Government Accountability and Ethics Reform and hand picked members who he assigned to this committee.  The Speaker tasked the committee with combing through every piece of ethics legislation filed in the House and working to create one bill with bi-partisan solutions improving ethical behavior in state government.  The committee chairman, Representative Kevin Wilson, R – Neosho, provided us with an update on the committee this week.

1. The committee, composed of both Republican and Democrat members, is working hard and has accomplished a great amount of work since its first meeting in January.
2. The bill they will end up being a comprehensive approach to ethical standards in state government, outlining several different rules and regulations rather than just one.
3. Representative Wilson and his members are hopeful to get the bi-partisan ethics bill filed before Spring break, which occurs the second week in March.