Sen. Sheehan Again to Push for Ethics Oversight of General Assembly

Sen. James C. Sheehan is planning on introducing legislation that would give Rhode Island voters the chance to weigh in on a Constitutional amendment that would expand the state Ethics Commission’s authority over members of the General Assembly.

Sheehan (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown), announced on Tuesday that he will re-introduce legislation he submitted last year that “proposes to clarify the much-debated ‘speech in debate’ clause of the Rhode Island constitution that shields lawmakers from prosecution or civil suits based on their actions as legislators, such as proposing or voting on legislation.”

“The people’s trust in its government is the glue that binds a people to its government,” Sheehan said. “Restoring the Ethics Commission jurisdiction over legislators has become central to establishing that trust.”

The legislation will propose other changes to the state Constitution that will more clearly spell out the responsibilities, authority and composition of the Ethics Commission.

“I applaud Governor Raimondo for making a call for ethics, integrity and accountability in state government her first formal action,” said Senator Sheehan. “Building on that promise, I will again seek action on an Ethics Commission amendment to restore the public’s faith and trust in the General Assembly.”