Ethics reform legislation is on its way to the Assembly floor for a vote. The Assembly Judiciary and Ethics Committee approved the bill Monday afternoon on an 8-1 vote, clearing the way for lawmakers to consider it later this month. State Rep. Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin), who chairs the committee, hopes the bill continues to move forward under agreements made between leadership and the Governor.
State Representative Fred Kessler (D-Milwaukee) voted against the measure. He's concerned about a provision giving public officials the option of being tried in their home county, not necessarily where an offense took place. Kessler feel the provision gives lawmakers special rights that aren't appropriate.
Another issue remaining is a controversial provision that overturns the entire bill if any part is found unconstitutional. Gundrum says that part needs to remain a part of the legislation. A Senate committee is also expected to vote on a version of the bill Tuesday, which could remove that provision.