State Ethics Commission Recommends Changes

The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission has made a number of recommendations to tighten the code of ethics for state lawmakers.In its annual report, the panel calls for 16 changes to state laws that apply to the conduct of legislators, lobbyists and political candidates. Among the recommendations is a repeal of the provision allowing lobbyists to spend a total of $100 annually on food and beverages for each legislator and their family members. If that part of the law is repealed, Kentucky would join other states which have adopted the "no cup of coffee" rule.Legislative candidates would also be treated in the same manner as lawmakers under another commission recommendation. Currently, lobbyists are not prohibited from giving "anything of value" to candidates.The recommendations have been submitted to the Legislative Research Commission for consideration.