ETHICS

The Legislature passed three bills to strengthen campaign financing and lawmaker accountability, including measures to increase lawmaker disclosure on family income, gifts and campaign finances; allow the public to lodge complaints against a sitting legislator; and prevent a clean elections candidate from paying an immediate family member for campaign services unless they operate a business that provides those services already.

Summary of New Ethics Laws Passed By The Maine Legislature In 2008

2015 - Prevent clean elections candidates from paying themselves for services

Prevents a clean elections candidate from paying a member of their household for campaign services unless they can prove that the family member provides those goods or services as a part of their regular business

2178 – Lawmaker financial disclosure

Increases public confidence in Government by expanding public disclosure of lawmakers and their families’ sources of income

2219 - Promote transparency and accountability in campaigns and governmental ethics

Allows a process for public citizens to lodge complaints about legislators, and increase reporting requirements for gifts to lawmakers and campaign finance reporting