House Speaker David Ralston says he will propose banning lobbyist spending on lawmakers.
Ralston told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he intends to create an informal committee to study how other states ban lobbyist gifts when the General Assembly reconvenes in January. He said he wants to pass legislation early in the legislative session.
Right now, lobbyists can spend as much as they want to influence Georgia lawmakers so long as they disclose the spending. Until recently, Ralston said the current system of disclosure was adequate. State Sen. Joshua McKoon has said he intends to re-introduce legislation that would cap, but not ban, lobbyist spending.
Georgia residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of nonbinding questions in last month's primary asking whether they wanted to put limits on lobbyist spending.
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Thursday, May 23 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:46:00 GMT
The state rested its case on Thursday in the trial of Michael Parson. He's accused of shooting his wife eight times in April 2011 outside their Sandy Springs apartment.
The state rested its case on Thursday in the trial of Michael Parson. He's accused of shooting his wife eight times in April 2011 outside their Sandy Springs apartment.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:32:47 GMT
The wives of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers.
The wives and family members of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers. They say their loved ones are forced to work extra jobs just to make ends meet, leaving little time for family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:19 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:19:31 GMT
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy.
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy. They say he was approached by a man as he got off his school bus on Wednesday, and that man pulled him into a pickup truck. He was able to escape, but the suspect is still on the loose.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says a $652 million plan to deepen the shipping channel to Savannah's seaport remains very much on President Barack Obama's radar.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says a $652 million plan to deepen the shipping channel to Savannah's seaport remains very much on President Barack Obama's radar.
Rick Barron will take over next month as Fulton County's new elections chief, as the department continues to deal with a state investigation into problems at the polls.
Rick Barron will take over next month as Fulton County's new elections chief, as the department continues to deal with a state investigation into problems at the polls.
