Ethical principles for members of the general assembly

(1) The principles in this section are intended only as guides to a member of the general assembly in determining whether or not his conduct is ethical. (2) A member of the general assembly who has a personal or private interest in any measure or bill proposed or pending before the general assembly shall disclose the fact to the house of which he is a member and shall not vote thereon. In deciding whether or not he has such an interest, a member shall consider, among other things, the following: (a) Whether the interest impedes his independence of judgment; (b) The effect of his participation on public confidence in the integrity of the general assembly; and (c) Whether his participation is likely to have any significant effect on the disposition of the matter. (3) An interest situation does not arise from legislation affecting the entire membership of a class. (4) If a member of the general assembly elects to disclose the interest, he shall do so as provided in the rules of the house of representatives or the senate, but in no case shall failure to disclose constitute a breach of the public trust of legislative office.