Vermont code of ethics bill unanimously passes state Senate

A bill to create a state code of ethics for elected and appointed officials, legislators, and all state employees was passed unanimously by Vermont Senate on Wednesday. A majority of other states already have similar codes.

The measure, which now goes to the House, also would apply to individuals appointed to state boards and commissions or who are authorized to act or speak on behalf of the state.

Anyone who violates the code of ethics can be investigated by the Vermont State Ethics Commission.

”Especially at a time when faith in democratic institutions is so low, it’s important that state officials and employees from the governor on down be held to the same standards of ethical conduct when representing the State,” Sen. Anthony Pollina, a progressive Democrat from Washington County, said by email.

“And it’s important for Vermonters to know their voices will be heard” if they have questions about a public officials’ conduct, Pollina said.

According to the Vermont State Ethics Commission, more than 40 other states have adopted ethics codes by statute. In 2017, the Vermont Legislature created the State Ethics Commission. Three years later, Gov. Phil Scott and some other state government officials asked the chairs of certain legislative committees to establish a code of ethics for public servants “backed by the force of law."

“Right now, we’re operating under the assumption that unethical conduct is not a problem in Vermont government because we don’t really have a system to capture it,” Christina Sivret, the commission’s executive director, told Vermont Public Radio.

Under the bill passed by the Senate Wednesday, public servants must avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of one; show no preferential treatment to any person in the course of state business, and...