Historically ... & becoming more blatant & reported these days .... the Legislator's have feathered their own nest handsomely & occasionally use lame excuses for their behavior, but last year Chennault said it best when he told us "We're the Legislature & we can do whatever we want!"
Tolerance of abuse & twisted self-serving rationale sets a horrible example for all Americans, especially young people. When our elected leaders play with rules devoid of rational common sense, that tells young people that "Getting for yourself" is the main game, & if called on it, throw out a phony excuse and act amazed that common folk don't buy your BS.
HB44 would put some teeth in the Legislatures ETHICS RULES - I urge everyone to watch this & do everything legal to get it passed - however I confidently forecast that the Legislature will do its best to kill this constraint on their conduct & power.