A bill to replace the DeKalb County Board of Ethics didn’t pass before the end of this year’s legislative session.
Lawmakers in the state House and Senate disagreed over proposed changes to the board. Senate Bill 273 died when the state House of Representatives didn't bring it up for a final vote.
The bill's original purpose was to fix potential problems that are the subject of an ongoing lawsuit. A judge hasn't yet ruled on the lawsuit from former DeKalb Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who says the board's appointment process is unconstitutional.
About 92 percent of DeKalb voters approved creating the Board of Ethics in November 2015 in an effort to hold elected officials and government employees accountable. The board has the power to issue $1,000 fines and refer cases for misdemeanor prosecution.
The version of the bill that passed the Senate would have required state legislators from DeKalb to confirm nominations to the board.
The version approved by the House would have replaced the board’s current members with others appointed by state representatives and senators from DeKalb.
Since a bill didn’t pass, the future of the DeKalb Board of Ethics depends on DeKalb Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson’s upcoming ruling. If the case is appealed, it could ultimately be decided by the Georgia Supreme Court.
Please read the full story on MyAJC.com.
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