Ethics bill passes Senate

DENVER -- The state Senate passed an ethics reform bill Thursday morning. The measure moves onto the House.

Senate Bill 146 would create stricter ethical standards for public and local government officials. It would discourage them from obtaining employment or gifts of value for immediate family members and would prohibit them from receiving gifts of value for personal benefit.

Though the language is not specific, the bill would seem to be a direct response to ongoing investigations in Adams County concerning Quality Paving's relationship with Adams County government officials. Two company officials are awaiting sentencing on felony theft charges.

"I'm glad this bill passed," said Sen. Mary Hodge, D-Brighton, the chamber's chief sponsor. "When I'm knocking on doors or holding town hall meetings in my district, people tell me they are very concerned about government corruption and they want something done. The belief that we have honest representation is one of the foundations of our democracy, and the goal of this bill is to begin to restore faith and integrity in the system."

The bill is awaiting an assignment in the House.