New ethics guidelines approved in PBC

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - In a unanimous vote Tuesday morning, the Palm Beach County Commission voted in favor of new ethics rules that will take effect June 1st.

The county's existing code now becomes more strict and widespread.

It will cover every municipality in the county and put limitations on thousands of government workers, not just elected officials.

They will no longer be allowed to accept gifts worth more than $100 a year from anyone whose company lobbies or does business with their employer.

It also expands the role of the Inspector General's office, by giving it more funding and employees to serve as ethical watchdogs.

It also expands the Ethics Commission which rules on potential violations.

After several elected officials were arrested for corruption over the past few years, commissioners called the new ethics rules a necessary and overdue step.