Ranking legislator disclosures

In a story published today, The Center for Public Integrity reported on its ranking of states in public disclosures of legislators' personal finances. According to the Center, legislators in 47 states are required to report on their activities, such as jobs and investments, outside the legislature. In the 50-state survey, Hawaii ranked second. (See also, Disclosure Ranking State Page for Hawaii.) The three states that do not require disclosure - Idaho, Michigan, and Vermont - scored 0 and came in last.

The 43-question survey measured public access to information essential to monitoring whether legislators stand to gain financially from actions they take in office. It graded states on how much they disclose about legislators' employment, personal business activities, clients, investments, real property holdings and leadership positions in organizations. It also studied disclosure statements' accessibility, disclosure law enforcement and rules defining who must file disclosure forms and how often.

The Center also provides access to its research and analysis for each state. See Hawaii.