INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Indiana Inspector General David Thomas is asking for improved disclosure and ethics rules for state officials in the wake of a trio of Statehouse scandals.
The recommendations would also bar state workers from certain conflicts of interest and set new limits on future employment for state workers. Thomas published the proposed legislation on the state's website late Wednesday.
Thomas settled a case against former Schools Superintendent Tony Bennett for $5,000 this past summer. He also determined earlier that a former top Transportation Department official “went right up to the line'' but didn't break ethics laws.
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma is crafting his own package of ethics reforms in response to a scandal involving Rep. Eric Turner. A Bosma spokeswoman says he'll “take into consideration'' Thomas' recommendations.
