The Florida Senate’s government oversight committee cleared an ethics bill that has been sponsored for years by Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, and was recommended by a grand jury looking to relieve Florida of its status as the country’s leading state for public corruption.

The measure does not create any new criminal penalties, but it requires lawmakers to recuse themselves from voting on or lobbying in support of measures that would benefit them or their associates.

An amendment by Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, added another of the grand jury’s recommendations, allowing the state’s ethics commission to investigate lawmakers without first receiving a formal complaint.

Sen. Jack Latavala, R-St. Petersburg said he had been investigated by the commission twice in the past, and that lawmakers should have nothing to fear as long as they fly right. The measure would help restore trust in politicians.

“One of the things that hurts me the most is when people say all politicians are crooks,” he said.