SC House Changes Ethics Rules for Investigations

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – The South Carolina House has changed its rules to open up its ethics investigations if probable cause is determined. The change comes amid speculation of a House Ethics Committee investigation into Gov. Nikki Haley. But House Republicans said after Tuesday’s unanimous vote the change had nothing to do with any particular person. The resolution that takes effect immediately conforms House rules for investigations into its current and former members to those for the state Ethics Commission. Haley is a former House member. Rules Committee Chairman Alan Clemmons says it’s about bringing transparency into the system. Whether an investigation into Haley exists is unknown. Rules bar committee members from saying whether one is underway, and Haley has refused to waive confidentiality. An ethics meeting is set for Wednesday.