Braintree — Senator Brian A. Joyce has been awarded a legislative achievement award for his leadership on the 2009 ethics reform law, which strengthened current ethics, lobbying and campaign finance laws. The award was given at Common Cause Massachusetts’ 40th Anniversary Celebration recognizing ‘good government’ legislation.
 
"The state ethics law that we passed, which is perhaps the strictest in the nation, ensures the public of honest service from their state and local officials," said Joyce.
 
The sweeping reform law bans all gifts to public officials, imposing a hefty civil violation for gifts up to $1,000 and makes it a felony for anything with value greater than $1,000. The law also provides the Ethics Commission with enhanced investigatory power to do its work, including stronger subpoena power, expanded regulatory authority and an increased statute of limitations. A new lobbyist classification provision in the bill redefines and clarifies lobbying activities and captures actions that seek to wrongly influence official government activity.
 
"Common Cause is pleased to recognize Senator Joyce and all the members of the conference committee that worked so hard on the 2009 Ethics, Lobbying, and Campaign Finance Reform Law. This legislation was a tremendous accomplishment and the most comprehensive reform in decades. We thank Senator Joyce and the other conferees for their work on this important reform,” said Pam Wilmot, Executive Director of Common Cause Massachusetts.
 
Common Cause is a non-profit organization that seeks to ensure open, accountable and effective government on the federal, state and local level.