No Albany deal on tighter ethics laws

ALBANY -- State lawmakers Thursday adjourned for the week without reaching a deal to tighten ethics laws -- despite continued assurances that an agreement was close at hand.

Legislators and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo were still haggling over details, such as the composition and powers of a new ethics oversight panel.

Individuals familiar with the discussions have said Cuomo and legislative leaders generally agree that the new ethics law would compel legislators, who are considered part time, to disclose far more information about their outside clients and business interests. It would also force lawmakers convicted of felonies to forfeit their pensions.

The new ethics measure would come after a series of major scandals that have rocked the Capitol in recent years.

Over the last five years, 13 legislators have left office or been voted out while facing criminal charges or ethical misconduct allegations.