Republican lawmakers are offering what they say is the first comprehensive update of the Massachusetts House "Code of Ethical Conduct" in 25 years.
Former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi makes a statement outside the Federal Courthouse in Boston after his conviction on conspiracy and other charges in a scheme to steer two state contracts worth $17.5 million to a software firm in exchange for payments. DeMasi's attorney Thomas Kiley is at right. BOSTON (AP) — Republican lawmakers are offering what they say is the first comprehensive update of the Massachusetts House "Code of Ethical Conduct" in 25 years.
The changes will be unveiled at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. They come a week after former Democratic House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi was convicted on federal corruption charges.
House Minority Leader Brad Jones of North Reading and Norfolk Republican Rep. Dan Winslow are pushing the changes, which they say are based on the practices of a dozen other states and recommendations from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Jones and Winslow say the goal is restore the public's trust in the Massachusetts House.
They say the best way to do that is to ensure each House member and their staff is held to the highest ethical standard.