The Arkansas Ethics Commission has fined a former president of the state Senate $8,000 and found that he violated four campaign laws.
The commission on Friday voted unanimously to fine Democratic Sen. Paul Bookout of Jonesboro $2,000 each for violating four state ethics laws. The commission ruled that Bookout failed to itemize spending by his re-election campaign last year and violated state laws prohibiting the use of campaign funds for personal expenses.
Bookout said in an email that he will reimburse his campaign $49,000 and repay contributors. He said he doesn't plan on appealing the panel's ruling.
Bookout has served in the state Senate since 2006 and served as the chamber's president in the 2011 and 2012 sessions. He served three terms in the state House.