The seal of the Georgia General Assembly hangs on the wall behind Georgia House Speaker David Ralston as he speaks before dropping a bill on the House Floor prohibiting lawmakers from giving gifts to lobbyists, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at the State Capitol in Atlanta. Speaker Ralston introduced legislation Tuesday calling for a total prohibition on what lobbyists can spend while trying to influence legislators. Right now, lobbyists can give as many gifts as they like if they disclose their spending on lawmakers. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
The chamber voted 164-4 on Monday to approve the legislation from House Speaker David Ralston, a Republican from Blue Ridge. It now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
Ralston's bill would set restrictions on lobbyist spending in a state where there are currently none.
His plan would generally prevent lobbyists from spending money on individual state officials. But there are exceptions.
If it is adopted, the proposal would allow lobbyists to pay to send public officials and their staff to events related to their official duties. Lobbyists could not cover airfare. They could also pay for dining and other costs at events where legislative committees or subcommittees are invited.
Post a Comment