Haley signs election law changes after 4-year push

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EASLEY, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley has signed two ethics laws on income disclosure and independent investigations of legislators.

The Republican governor signed the measures Thursday in Easley, where she thanked Senate Judiciary Chairman Larry Martin for his work on ethics reform over the last four years. She also endorsed Martin, who’s in a primary runoff Tuesday for the Pickens County seat.

Starting next year, all elected and appointed officials must report their private income sources — but not the amounts — on their annual ethics filings. They must also report who pays their spouses and dependent children.

The other law sends complaints against legislators to a restructured State Ethics Commission, allowing for an independent review.

Currently, House and Senate ethics committees oversee campaign finance filings and handle complaints against their colleagues.