In February, state Rep. Matt Simpson introduced a bill that, if passed, would replace Alabama's current ethics code guiding state lawmakers with one that would provide tougher penalties for violations.

HB 227 passed the House by a vote of 79-9, but did not make it to a vote in the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee, as scheduled on the final day of the 2024 legislative session.

Speaking to Mid-day Mobile last Friday, Simpson outlined his reform plans and why he believes reform is needed in 2024.

“I was hoping the bill would pass this year, I'm not gonna lie,” he said, “I was hoping the bill would pass this year, but you know, anything this big takes a long time.”

Simpson praised state Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) for his work in getting the bill through the Senate, but said there was some confusion about who would be handling the bill in the Senate.

RELATED: Ethics reform bill remains on agenda in final day of legislative session

Simpson opposed the idea that HB 227 would ease ethics laws and the violations that come with them.

“It's very easy to say this strengthens ethics laws or weakens ethics laws. The people who are opposed are saying this now weakens ethics in Alabama.”

“I think nothing could be further from the truth in terms of what we were trying to do, our goals and what we're trying to do with this bill,” he said. “We were just trying to say these are the lines, these are the places you can go and these are the places you can't go. You know, a lot of people are saying things that are illegal now will be legal under this new bill. Well, that's the kind of thing people wouldn't prosecute in the first place.”

He cited common examples of what could be considered ethical violations under today's codes and argued why many state employees are unable to understand the ethics laws they are subject to.

RELATED: Simpson makes argument as Alabama Legislature decides on ethics reform

“And there are things that are in effect, like when I walked out today. My stepfather is here. He's a dealer. One of the things here. We talk about some of the laws and how they affect people. If someone takes my stepfather out to lunch, that's an ethical violation and I can be penalized. I'm facing a Class B felony because someone took my stepfather out to lunch. It doesn't make any sense to me. It's nonsense. The law is as it's written, if it's an intentional violation it's a Class B felony, if it's an unintentional violation it's a Class A misdemeanor.”

“There's nothing to talk about in terms of intent.”

RELATED: Ethics reform bill remains on agenda in final day of legislative session

Simpson said he fully supports tougher penalties for public officials who violate ethics rules.

“I want people to know that this is what you can and can't do. If you cross that line, if you go beyond what you can do, we're going to get you and we're going to come after you. We're going to come after you hard. I'm totally OK with that. I think they should be prosecuted. These are people who have the public's trust.”

“Severe sanctions and punishments are necessary for those who betray the public trust.”

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.