Supporters of a proposed ballot initiative aimed at public corruption have been given the OK to begin gathering signatures.
The measure would make it a felony for public officials to legislate competitive advantages for or direct appropriations to themselves, business associates, family members, employers or past, present or sought-after campaign contributors.
Contributors would include donors to third-party groups backing the election of those officials.
Those benefiting from violations they induced would also face a felony.
Before leaving office, Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell certified the initiative application, giving supporters a year to gather over 28,000 signatures. Their goal is to get it on the 2016 ballot.
A primary sponsor of the measure, Ray Metcalfe, says members of government should make decisions based on merit, not on who contributes to their campaigns.
