March 27, 2019 - 5:05 PM
JUNEAU, Alaska - Alaska lawmakers have taken a step toward reversing conflict of interest rules passed last year that some saw as too limiting.
A measure passed by the Senate on Wednesday rolls back provisions that some lawmakers said restricted their ability to represent their constituents or use personal or professional experiences to help legislation.
The law passed last year broadened the scope for potential conflicts. The new bill largely would return the law to what existed previously.
The bill targets provisions that a legislative ethics committee interpreted as allowing legislators to participate in committee and floor debate and vote on bills where they have conflicts, provided they declare their conflicts, but not allowing similar discussions in private.
The measure passed 15-4 and now goes to the House.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019