The Massachusetts House Thursday is scheduled to vote on whether to expel one of its members. That’s after the ethics committee recommended lawmakers boot Dorchester Rep. Carlos Henriquez from office following his conviction on assault and battery charges.
Garrett Bradley is a member of the ethics panel and says Henriquez violated a specific House rule.
“The specific rule he violated was Rule 16A(1), which clearly states that a member cannot engage in activities that will substantially impair their independence of judgment,” said state Rep. Garrett Bradley, a Hingham Democrat and attorney. “Clearly his conviction and incarceration have done that since he cannot come to the State House and vote, cannot handle matters within his district, and has severely compromised his ability to be a representative. And that’s why the committee unanimoulsy voted for expulsion.”
But Henriquez’s attorney says the committee bent the rules just to fit the circumstances of Henriquez’s case. And she says her client is in daily communication with his State House staff.
Henriquez has maintained his innocense.
The vote Thursday requires a simple majority to remove Henriquez from office. The last time a member of the House was expelled was 98 years ago.
State House News Service contributed to this report.