S.C. Senate Ethics Committe chairman welcomes Governor’s reforms

Senate Ethics Committee Chairman Wes Hayes of Rock Hill is welcoming Governor Nikki Haley’s decision to appoint a commission to study ethics reform.  Hayes says both the House and Senate have set up their own panels to study ethics reform.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Hayes says next session will be the one when ethics reform is seriously considered for the first time in more than 20 years.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

One thing Haley has said she wants to do is eliminate the House and Senate Ethics Committees.  Hayes says that will not be easy.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Hayes says one proposal he wants to see in any ethics reform package is one that requires candidates to fully disclose their income sources.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Hayes says he believes ethics reform proposals should include several elements.

He says nobody should be kicked off the ballot for not properly filing their statement of economic interest on paper, especially now that it’s done electronically.  Hayes says candidates should fully disclose income sources and lawmakers should pass legislation that defines committees.

He says the most recent definition of committees has been declared unconstitutional.

Hayes says that means groups that try to influence elections don’t have to disclose who they are or how much they’re spending.