Bill addresses conflict of interest issues in legislature
by
Dara Newson
Story Created:
Jan 19, 2012 at 11:54 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jan 20, 2012 at 12:41 PM CDT
The Nebraska Legislature is looking at revising a current bill that deals with senators and conflicts of interest. Right now, legislators are allowed to vote on issues despite any potential for it.
But elected officials on the local level, like city council members, are not allowed to vote if the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission determines a conflict of interest.
This proposal looks to make the change at the top. News 5's Dara Newson tells us how the issue came about.
Senator Bill Avery says the origin of the bill was posed to the Speaker in which he was asked quote "why is it that you guys vote on situations of conflict of interests and members of the city council can't?
If the bill passes the law would require the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission to review each conflict that is filed to determine whether or not it's a clear conflict of interest..
Even if there is, state senators can still vote. But, the proposal makes it more apparent to the public.
They'll know if the NADC determines an actual conflict. And they'll know if and why their state senators have decided to vote anyway.
"This is perhaps not a perfect way to deal with the issue of voting in circumstances of conflict of interest ,but it does recognize the fact that we are a citizen legislature," said Senator Avery.
Senator Avery, who proposed the bills, says it is not intended to embarrass anyone or limit the ability of the Senator to serve his constituents. It simply provides more information.
Thursday's meeting was just a hearing and no final decision was made.
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