Idaho Democrats unveiled draft legislation setting up a new independent state ethics commission today, and they also announced that they’ve agreed with GOP leaders to set up a working group, with lawmakers from both parties and both houses, to agree on a bipartisan bill within the next couple of weeks. Both House Speaker Lawerence Denney and Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill confirmed the agreement. “I believe we must maintain and grow public trust in government,” declared Rep. Phylis King, D-Boise, who said she began working on the bill in the fall. “My intent was to keep it simple, easy to use and low-cost. I am pleased to say that Speaker Denney also recognizes the importance of the idea and will collaborate with us”/Betsy Russell, SR. More here.

Question: Will an independent ethics commission help restore your trust in Idaho government? Or is it too little/too late in wake of recent ethics lapses by Republican lawmakers that were swept under the rug?