Herron Sponsors Serious Ethics Reforms

Nashville – Senator Roy Herron (D-Dresden) today announced a package of legislation strengthening ethics rules and prohibiting legislators from influence-peddling.

“Serious ethics reform is long overdue,” said Herron. “Recent events, including and especially ‘consulting’ by some have shaken the public trust. Such actions should stop now.”

Senator Herron’s bill would prohibit legislators from being paid as consultants to influence legislation or help companies win state contracts. Under Herron’s bill, those who violated the prohibition would be subject to criminal penalties.

“Some have talked about disclosure,” Herron said. “Disclosure is not enough. Legislators simply should not be engaged in outside consulting relationships with influence buyers attempting to impact legislation or get favorable consideration on contracts.”

Herron also is sponsoring legislation that outlaws use of campaign funds for personal benefit.

“The law needs to be clear,” Herron said. “Candidates for office shouldn’t be using campaign funds for personal enrichment. This bill makes clear how campaign funds cannot be spent.”

Herron also is sponsoring legislation that will clarify the requirements for a candidate to establish residency.

“Voters deserve to know that the ind ividual representing them lives in their district,” Herron said. “My bill will explicitly prohibit ind ividuals from using their business address as a voting address.”

Herron’s bill provides that an ind ividual may not register to vote at a business location if that ind ividual does not have proof of a residential purpose for the location.

Herron also has legislation that would set forth a process for challenging a candidate’s residency.

“This bill creates clear guidelines for filing a complaint to challenge residency.”

“Today we’re sending a message,” Herron said. “The people of Tennessee deserve an open, honest government. They need a government they can trust. These reforms move our state forward in creating a culture of trust between the government and the citizens.”

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