Ethics Reform Bill Update (Updated)

The Senate and Assembly introduced the agreed-to ethics reform bill late last week.  The Governor’s program Bill is S.5679 Skelos/A.8301 Silver.  Speaker Silver has also introduced a chapter amendment (A.8304) making “technical amendments” to the original bill.

The good government groups issued a memorandum in support of the bill, which acknowledges some of the criticisms of the bill:

“To be sure, this is not our vision of an ideal bill; many of the elements are the product of compromise that occurred in closed-door negotiations without public hearings on the bill. Nevertheless, this legislation represents a significant improvement over the current system and we urge that it be adopted.”

The Daily News editorial board criticizes the new financial disclosure requirements, and addresses the shortcomings of the JCOPE.

On Sunday, Fred Lebrun of the Albany Times Union talked with David Grandeau, and calls for proactive enforcement of the new ethics laws.

And finally, Jimmy Vielkind of the Times Union shares the perspectives of Walter Ayres of the Commission on Public Integrity, which are not positive.

Update:  Early this evening, the bill was approved by the Senate (61-0) and then the Assembly (98-1).  No word yet on when it will be delivered to the Governor for signature.