LA County advances proposal to create new ethics commission

Topline:

The L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to advance a proposal to create an independent ethics commission.

The backstory: Supervisors have said scandals in local government over the last two decades are why the commission is needed. Former Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas was convicted last year in a bribery scheme that happened during his time on the board.

What’s new: If established, the ethics commission would be charged with rooting out corruption by county officials. It would oversee ethical conduct related to things like campaign finance, government contracts, and developers. The motion would also establish an Office of Ethics Compliance.

Who’ll be involved: The commission would be made of up five members appointed by a neutral party — that could include academics, ethics experts, or retired judges.

What’s next : The L.A. County Counsel's Office will have 30 days to report back to the board about the proposed commission.

Go deeper : Big LA County reforms, including Board of Supervisors expansion, clear first hurdle