Haley: Ethics reform package must include 3 things

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley is again urging South Carolina legislators to pass ethics reform, saying 2015 is the year to finally get it done.

Haley said Wednesday three things are essential to the reform package. She said lawmakers must be required to disclose their income sources, legislators should no longer investigate themselves, and legislators who sue the government should have to report the agency and payout.

Haley notes nothing has changed since 2012, when lawmakers of both parties called strengthening ethics laws a top priority. Those pledges occurred after the House Ethics Committee cleared Haley on allegations she lobbied for two former employers. After her clearing, Haley helped lead the charge for reform.

Since then, one legislator has pleaded guilty to violating ethics laws and another has been indicted.