Indiana House Steps Toward Beefed-Up Ethics Rules

A House committee Tuesday took a step forward toward bolstering the chamber’s code of ethics after a recent string of ethical controversies at the Statehouse.

The proposed code prohibits representatives from advocating in matters where they have a direct personal or financial interest. That includes anything that could affect the income of the member, their close relatives or any ownership interest they hold in a partnership, business or corporation. 

House Ethics Committee Chairman Greg Steuerwald said the committee also replaced the clause “strive to” avoid with “should” avoid when it comes to public or private advocacy on issues where there’s a conflict of interest.

“With a citizen legislature we have some expertise that other members may need to help them make decisions, but the difference is when that member becomes an advocate.”

The proposed code changes now move to the House Rules Committee.