The sweeping Ethics Reform Act of 1991 forces lawmakers to divulge information about their personal finances, including when they represent clients before public boards.

• The law was a direct response to one of the most embarrassing episodes in S.C. political history — “Operation Lost Trust.”

• The 1990 FBI sting netted 27 legislators, lobbyists and other public officials on corruption and drug charges. Twelve lawmakers served time in prison as a result of the scandal.

• Rules were changed to put distance between lawmakers and lobbyists who had enjoyed an overly cozy relationship.

• The Reform Act requires public reporting of financial information. It also forbids legislators from serving on other public boards and commissions.

— Jeff Stensland