Proposal to Amend “Speech in Debate” Clause would Restore Ethics Commission Jurisdiction in General Assembly Action
PROVIDENCE--- Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts today announced her support of H-7357, a Joint Resolution that would restore the power of the Ethics Commission to investigate breaches of the code of ethics in activities of the General Assembly. Calling the legislation necessary to “the public’s faith and trust in government,” Roberts urged the House Committee on Judiciary to pass the legislation.
In a letter to House Judiciary Chairman David Caprio, Lt. Gov. Roberts stated, “The recent court decision that struck down the power of the Ethics Commission to use a General Assembly member’s vote as evidence has effectively removed the General Assembly from enforcement of the ethics code. Rhode Islanders deserve better, especially in a time when our government needs to focus on restoring confidence in Rhode Island’s future.”