‘Corruption County’ bill strengthens penalties for ethics violations
by Dara Kam | March 9th, 2010With Palm Beach “Corruption” County in mind, lawmakers are moving toward stiffening local ordinances combating ethics violations.
Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, is backing a bill that allow counties to increase the current penalties for violations of county ordinances imposing ethical standards and financial disclosure requirements from 60 days in jail to one year in jail and double the fine from $500 to $1,000 per occurance.
The Senate Community Affairs Committee signed off on Aronberg’s proposal (SB 1980) this afternoon with a 9-1 vote.
Aronberg sponsored the bill at the behest of the scandal-plagued Palm Beach County Commission, which recently established an ethics panel in the wake of a federal corruption probe that landed three former county commissioners in prison. Palm Beach County Rep. Kevin Rader, D-Boynton Beach, is the House bill (HB 1301) sponsor.
Aronberg said the measure, which would apply to all counties if it becomes law, puts teeth into local ordinances.
“Living in Palm Beach County, I’m well aware this has become a priority for the voters in my district,” Aronberg, who is running in a statewide Democratic primary for attorney general against Senate colleague Dan Gelber. “Hopefully, this will help remove our reputation as ‘Corruption County.’”
Tags: Dan Gelber, Dave Aronberg, ethics reform, Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County commission, State House, State Senate
March 9th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Yeah, increase penalties BUT is the bill VAGUE in what constitutes corruption.
Aronberg…again. Seeking notoriety for himself (watch out it’s about HIM, not you).
Strengthen the definitions of corruption.
Vagueness is the root of bringing it to the Supremes.
March 22nd, 2010 at 4:32 pm
[...] “Corruption County”-inspired bill that would beef up penalties for county officials who … moved forward in a House committee this [...]