Haley Forms Panel to Revamp Ethics Laws

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Governor Nikki Haley signed a proclamation, comprised of civilians instead of elected officials, today naming the South Carolina Commission on Ethics Reform to work on plans to update South Carolina’s ethics laws. Haley says an independent body is the best way to get true ethics reform and regain and keep public trust. The panel will be co-chaired by two former attorneys general, Republican Henry McMaster and Democrat Travis Medlock. The governor says South Carolina’s laws are too gray and too vague. She says citizens need to have confidence in the system. In recent months, questions have been raised about ethical issues involving Haley, House Speaker Bobby Harrell and Republican and Democratic lawmakers who attended a national conference in Charleston. The newly formed group has until January 28, 2013, to submit a final written recommendation that includes a comprehensive review and update to the state’s ethics laws. The recommendation will then be handed over to members of the General Assembly for further review.