House Speaker David Ralston said on Tuesday that the state should ban lobbyist spending on elected officials. The Republican leader has introduced legislation at the state Capitol that also expands the definition of a lobbyist.
Ralston said he responded to public calls for reform of ethics rules at the Capitol.
"The centerpiece of this package is a complete ban on lobbyist spending on individual members of the General Assembly," said Ralston.
The Speaker said his plans would return more authority to the state ethics commission and would require more people to register as lobbyists.
"You're not going to have to wonder what they mean because they are going to be clear. They are going to be understandable, and I think Georgians will understand that this is not a gimmick," said Ralston.
That was the label he earlier gave a new state Senate rule banning gifts of more than $100.
Democratic leader Stacy Abrams said the bill was a good start.
"I think the bill takes a very strong first step towards defining who a lobbyist is, closing loopholes, identifying places where we can strengthen our culture of ethics at the Capitol," said
But Abrams said the proposals needed full review.
"The job that we have is to make sure we're reading the legislation carefully. That we offer suggestions where we can," Abrams said.
Watchdog groups said they too wanted to see exactly what the legislation spelled out.
"We are extremely excited about the fact that this issue is finally receiving the due that it needs. But we just got to look and make sure it's being done the right way," said William Perry of Common Cause Georgia.
Georgia is one of only a few states without restrictions for lobbyist spending on legislators.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:44:17 GMT
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago.
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago. FOX 5 viewers provided information that led Alyssa Haskew to the moment she's waited more than a decade for: to say thank you to Scott Thomas.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:34:58 GMT
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla.
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla. School and emergency officials insist having kids sheltered in school buildings rather than being picked up is the best solution.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:14 GMT
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:17:01 GMT
The wives of Atlanta police and firefighters have put up billboards telling Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to give their spouses a pay raise.
The wives of Atlanta police and firefighters have put up billboards telling Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to give their spouses a pay raise.
House Speaker David Ralston unveiled an ethics reform plan on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013.
