Lupinacci Pushes For Ethics Reform

Press Release From the Office of Assemblyman Lupinacci

Following a news report detailing the Senate Minority’s push for ethics reform, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci is encouraging his colleagues in both houses to pass the Public Officers’ Accountability Act. Assembly Bill 7393, introduced by the Assembly Republican Conference in 2013, would punish elected officials convicted of felonies related to their duties, reform member items, increase government oversight, establish several new crimes related to public corruption, and reform New York’s campaign finance system.

“The public should be able to trust that their elected officials are doing the right thing, not what’s best for that particular official. Unfortunately, over the past year and a half we’ve seen countless examples of representatives in Albany failing their constituents on both ethical and legal matters,” said Lupinacci. “Since 1999, more than 20 state legislators have been ousted because of criminal or ethical issues. By passing the Public Officers’ Accountability Act, we would restore faith and accountability to a public that feels betrayed by its elected officials. While we cannot correct the sins of past members, passing meaningful ethics reform would put us on the right path for the future.”

If enacted, Assembly Bill 7393 would ban public officers or elected officials from holding public office, bidding on state contracts and lobbying the legislature if they were convicted of felonies related to their official duties. The legislation would also require itemized appropriations for any discretionary request for funding and require a form be submitted to the attorney general indicating no conflict of interest exists.

The proposal also creates several new crimes, including abuse of the public trust, failure to report corruption, and official misconduct in the first degree. The legislation also prohibits personal use of campaign funds and requires the forfeiture of campaign contributions to elected officials who are convicted of felonies. Finally, eight-year term limits would be established for legislative leaders and committee chairs.

“Unfortunately, the Majority has held this bill deeming it unworthy of a vote before the full house. I strongly encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to push for this legislation to be brought to the floor and ask the Majority to reconsider its hold on the legislation,” concluded Lupinacci.