Bill Addresses Ethics Rules

Georgia's ethics laws are at the center of a new bill. State Sen. George Hooks, an Americus Democrat, said Wednesday his bill would require elected officials to disclose contributions from those with state contracts. The disclosure would have to come within two days. Hooks said he was inspired by the ethics turmoil in Illinois, where Governor Rod Blagojevich faces impeachment for alleged ethics violations.

(Associated Press)

Millionaire no more

A millionaire philanthropist from Augusta who once led the University System Board of Regents has filed for bankruptcy. Tim Shelnut Sr. raised money for politicians of both major parties and donated his own money to campaigns. His donations to Linda Schrenko's gubernatorial campaign violated legal caps. The state Ethics Committee fined him $40,000, a debt listed in his bankruptcy petition.

(Associated Press)

Bill would require local ethics panels

The state Senate has voted to require that local governments set up ethics panels. The panels would hear complaints filed by citizens against elected officials. They would have the authority to levy penalties of $1,000 per offense. The bill would also put in place new disclosure and training requirements for lobbyists.

Judge faces ethics hearing

Superior Court Judge Brooks E. Blitch of southeast Georgia's Clinch County will face a hearing on charges of ethical misconduct by the state agency that has the power to remove Georgia judges from office. Court papers accuse Blitch of ordering thousands of dollars in illegal payments to several county employees, as well as improperly ordering the early release of six imprisoned felons. The 72-year-old Blitch is one of the most powerful politicians in rural Clinch County, where he has presided as a judge since 1980.