TRENTON A more independent ethics watchdog would be created under a bill approved Monday by a state Senate committee, acting Gov. Richard J. Codey said. The bill would replace the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards with a new body, the State Ethics Commission. In a first, the commission could impose fines of up to $10,000 for former government workers who violate post-employment restrictions. It would also gain the power to order restitution and demote violators. The commission would be composed of four members of the public and three from state government. The terms of the public members would be staggered, and no more than two could be of the same party. A public member would chair the panel. The bill, which has bipartisan support, now goes to the full Senate. It awaits action from an Assembly committee.