WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The Rhode Island Ethics Commission says state ethics rules don’t prohibit a state representative from forming a law partnership with two other attorneys who are registered lobbyists.
Democratic Rep. Daniel McKiernan, a freshman lawmaker from Providence, asked the commission for an advisory opinion.
The commission noted the code generally allows public officials to enter into most private business associations.
It then limits their ability to use their office to benefit themselves or their business partners by requiring them to not participate in matters that would financially affect the business.
Chairman Ross Cheit told McKiernan on Tuesday they couldn’t advise him to recuse himself when his new partners lobby. The commission lost its jurisdiction over the General Assembly following a 2009 state Supreme Court decision.
McKiernan says he’ll voluntarily do so.
