Georgia State Senate Passes Resolution to Limit Lobbyist Gifts

ATLANTA (January 14, 2013) – The Georgia State Senate boldly passed a resolution on the first day of the 2013 legislative session that will amend the Senate Rules and cap gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal. The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Georgia State Senate to solicit input from both Senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns.

“Today, on day one of the legislative session, the Senate took decisive action on this critically important issue,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “I appreciate our Senators who came together and spoke with one voice to strengthen the State Senate’s ethics laws. We are now prepared to tackle the challenges of encouraging private sector job growth, strengthening education, and improving patient centered, free market healthcare.”

“This resolution is the result of open dialogues not just within the Senate, but also with the people of Georgia,” said Sen. Majority Leader Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone). “This measure is an effective, common sense approach supported by both parties in the Georgia Senate.”

“I have long supported limitations on lobbyist giving, and I applaud the Senate for the common sense rules passed today,” said Sen. President Pro Tem David Shafer (R-Duluth). “I appreciate the bipartisan work of the Senate Ethics Reform Study Committee.”

Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee.

PV Note: Full text of new Senate Rules can be read here. New senate rules do NOT apply to the State House, the Governor’s Office, or any other elected official in Georgia.

Kudos to State Senator Pro Tempore David Shafer.

The Georgia State House still allows unlimited gifts to be given by lobbyists to their membership. In short, The House Fat Cats get fatter.

This entry was posted by PV, on Monday, January 14th, 2013 at 10:13 pm and is filed under Georgia State Senate and Tagged: $100 Cap on Lobbyist Gifts, Georgia Senate Ethics Rules, Senator David Shafer
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