State Democrats Demand Transparency

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — State democrats have introduced new legislation that would require records and proceedings involving legislators who are being investigated by the State Ethics Commission to be open to lawmakers and also the public. The proposed bill, called the Transparency and Ethics Act, would remove secrecy clauses that currently exist in the state’s ethics law. Those clauses state that proceedings should be confidential. However, democrats say that goes against the campaign ideals of transparent and honest government, upon which Gov. Nikki Haley ran. Haley has been charged with seven violations of not reporting required campaign contribution information. A hearing is scheduled for July 18, which is when a three-panel commission will hear facts surrounding the case and determine if Haley will face punishment. If found in violation, the governor could face $14,000, $2,000 for each count, in fines, prosecution of a misdemeanor and/or referral of the case to the attorney general for civil or criminal prosecution.