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.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
House Speaker David Ralston unveiled an ethics reform plan on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013.
