Representative Adam M. Fetterman files the Ethical Practices Act of 2010

Representative Adam M. Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) and Senator Paula Dockery (R-Lakeland) have filed the “Ethical Practices Act of 2010” pertaining to public disclosure by state legislators.

House Bill 587 and Senate Bill 438 constitute a significant bipartisan effort to prohibit legislators from voting upon, or participating in, any legislation that would result in their enjoying any special private gain for themselves, or their relatives. The bills require lawmakers to publicly state their (or their relatives’) interests in any legislation from which they would derive a gain or a loss.

Currently, legislators can vote on any matter in which they, a family member, or business, holds an interest, even if they would derive a benefit from the legislation being signed into law; they only need to disclose such an interest within 15 days after casting their vote on the legislation.

“The current state of the law allowing legislators to vote upon matters from which they and their family members will make money is, in a word, repugnant,” said Representative Fetterman. “It is no wonder that many Floridians have lost faith in their elected officials. The Ethical Practices Act of 2010 is a step in the direction of restoring the people’s faith in the government that is supposed to serve them, not legislators’ personal interests.”

Senator Dockery has filed this important legislation for three consecutive years.
“Given the public’s justifiable lack of trust and confidence in elected officials throughout the country, it is imperative that reforms of this nature be enacted,” said Senator Dockery. “The Florida Legislature should take immediate actions to ensure that our state is at the forefront of initiatives helping to restore citizens’ faith in government.”