Caucus Press Release: Wilkins Forms Committee to Review Ethics & Campaign Laws
Mar 1, 2005
Speaker David H. Wilkins
More than a decade after sweeping changes, Wilkins looks to update laws
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
COLUMBIA -- Speaker David H. Wilkins is creating an ad hoc committee to reexamine our state's ethics and campaign finance laws.
Wilkins was a sponsor of what was the strongest ethics act in the country when it passed more than a decade ago. The Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act of 1991 forever changed the relationship between legislators and lobbyists, requiring strict disclosure, and prohibiting lobbyists from even buying a cup of coffee for lawmakers.
Additionally, the House was the leading force behind sweeping campaign finance reform that was signed into law two years ago.
"I think it's time we revisit our current laws to make sure they accurately reflect our present day circumstances and continue to serve the best interests of South Carolina citizens," Wilkins said.
The House Ad Hoc Committee on Ethics and Campaign Finance Laws will be chaired by Speaker Pro Tempore Doug Smith (R-Spartanburg). The bi-partisan committee includes:
* Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Richland (chairman of House Judiciary)
* Rep. Roland Smith, R-Aiken (chairman of the House Ethics Committee)
* Rep. David Mack, D-Charleston (chairman of the House Black Caucus)
* Rep. Harry Ott, D-Orangeburg (House minority leader)
* Rep. Jim Merrill, R-Charleston (House majority leader)
* Rep. Nikki Haley, R-Lexington (chairwoman of the House Freshmen Caucus)
* Rep. Fletcher Smith, D-Greenville (House Judiciary)
* Rep. Phil Sinclair, R-Spartanburg (House Judiciary)
* Rep. Shirley Hinson, R-Berkeley (chief House majority whip)
* Rep. Bill Sandifer, R-Oconee (House Ethics Committee)
Speaker Wilkins is requesting the committee report its findings no later than October 31, 2005. If the findings result in legislation, a bill can be prefiled in time for the 2006 legislative session.
For More Information:
Christy Cox
Chief-of-Staff
Office of the Speaker
South Carolina House of Representatives
(803) 734-3125
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