House set to take up Senate-backed ethics legislation

The Clarion-Ledger, 2/18/8

Several pieces of House legislation dealing with ethics reform will be taken up today, according to House Judiciary A Committee Chairman Ed Blackmon.

A comprehensive omnibus bill that would enact some of the most dramatic ethics reforms in nearly three decades also will get ample consideration, said Blackmon, who as committee chairman could decide if it lives or dies. The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill last week.

Senate Bill 2983 includes multiple reforms, including doubling the maximum fine for ethics violations and establishing regulations for blind trusts. The final language of the bill may be hashed out in conference.