Haley names panel to recommend ethics changes

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Story Created: Oct 18, 2012 at 11:15 AM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 20, 2012 at 4:15 AM EDT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley has created an independent panel to make recommendations for overhauling South Carolina's ethics laws.

Haley announced the 11-member panel on Thursday. She points out none are currently in elected office. She says an independent body is the best way to get true ethics reform.

The panel is co-chaired by two former attorneys general, Republican Henry McMaster and Democrat Travis Medlock.

The governor agrees with critics that South Carolina's laws are too gray and too vague. She says citizens need to have confidence in the system. The group must report its recommendations to lawmakers by Jan. 28, three weeks after the session starts.

The House and Senate are working on their own ethics reform plans.

Questions raised over lawmakers' ethical issues have made reform a priority for 2013.