Mass. GOP Proposes Changes To House Ethics Code

Republican lawmakers are calling for changes in the Massachusetts House ethics rules that they say will restore public trust.

House Minority Leader Brad Jones of North Reading and Norfolk Republican Rep. Dan Winslow unveiled the proposed changes at a news conference Wednesday.

The call comes a week after former Democratic House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi was convicted on federal corruption charges.

Proposed changes include requiring lobbyists to wear name tags when in the House Chamber; prohibiting members from contacting state agencies about pending work contracts; and requiring members to report any observed unethical conduct.

The lawmakers also called for the House Ethics Committee to consist of equal numbers of both parties. The current committee has 11 Democrats and four Republicans.

The proposals will be debated in a formal House session next week.