Last week, the House Ethics Panel issued its annual report — and provided its annual reminder that the Legislature’s ethics process is meant to serve its members, not the public interest.

The entire report occupies less than half a page of copy. Three paragraphs, 11 lines, 123 words. Took me a brisk 43 seconds to read it from start to finish. (At least the House panel actually filed a report. There’s no sign of a corresponding document from the Senate Ethics Panel.)

The report complies with the law, which means there are no details whatsoever. Everything is concealed from public view except the scantiest outline of the Panel’s minimal activity for the year 2024. The report can be downloaded from the General Assembly’s list of Legislative Reports, for all the good it’ll do ya.

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