Kidney transplant focus of ethics reform

JUNEAU, Alaska, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Alaskan state officials say they are trying to rework ethics legislation to allow an ailing congressman to receive a kidney transplant.

Democratic state Rep. Richard Foster suffered a mild stroke Friday, but had undergone kidney dialysis prior to the event. Medical officials suggest he needs a kidney transplant, but state ethics law forbids donating gifts to elected officials.

The Alaskan legislature clamped down on ethics laws following an FBI raid on government offices and criminal charges filed against former lawmakers.

The subsequent ethics laws allow for a "compassionate gift" exemption, but only up to $250, the Anchorage Daily News reported Friday.

Alaskan lawmakers introduced a House bill to remove the dollar limit for compassionate gift exemptions in support of Foster.