Representative Daniel Webster (R-Pembroke) joined his Republican colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in proposing the first comprehensive reform of the House Code of Ethical Conduct governing Representatives and legislative staff in more than 25 years. The proposed reforms will hold Members and legislative staff to a higher standard of ethical conduct than prescribed by statute, as well as work to restore the public’s faith in state government.

“In the wake of the conviction of the third House speaker in a row, the time to reform our ethical code of conduct has long passed. This reform will help force all House members to closely police their own official conduct as well as that of their colleagues,” stated Representative Webster. “These proposed revisions to the House Rules will also begin long overdue steps to significantly increase the House Ethics Committee’s role in investigating ethical complaints relating to House members and employees. This proposal will also help to ensure the full House directly addresses the inappropriate conduct of members after a finding of ethical breaches by the Ethics Committee.”

Announced by the House Republican Caucus today, the formal proposal will be filed and debated at the next formal session of the House. House Republicans invite all Democrats to join the proposed reform as co-sponsors.