The Shekarchi Ethics Challenge: Prof. Michael Yelnosky on RI's "Revolving Door" Law

As former House Speaker Joe Shekarchi officially steps down to apply for a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, a major legal hurdle has emerged. Michael Yelnosky, professor and former dean at Roger Williams University School of Law, joins the program to discuss the formal ethics complaint he filed this week. We dive into the "revolving door" provision of the state’s Code of Ethics, which generally bars elected officials from seeking state employment for one year after leaving office. Is the Supreme Court exempt as a constitutional office, or is this a violation of public trust? Key Discussion Points The Complaint: Why Yelnosky filed the challenge the moment Shekarchi delivered his farewell speech. The "Revolving Door": Understanding the one-year waiting period for state legislators. Precedent vs. Policy: Analyzing the 2020 Erin Lynch Prata case and how it shapes the current debate. Next Steps: What to expect from the Rhode Island Ethics Commission during their preliminary review in June. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.