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January 14, 2010

Stronger ethics rules in GA?

By CREW Staff

Maybe. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, pro-ethics reform groups are feeling that momentum is on their side in Georgia.

Reform legislation is likely to take aim at a variety of problems. The newspaper writes:

Currently, there’s no limit on lobbyist spending on lawmakers, just a requirement that it be reported.

In the House, there’s bipartisan support for a bill introduced Wednesday by Rep. Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs) that would place a $100 cap on gifts from lobbyists.

The cap would likely cut out the high-priced meals, airline tickets and trips to The Masters golf tournament that the public finds objectionable, said Willard ...

A bill by Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) would set a gift limit of $25.

However, potential loopholes could remain.

Neither bill would keep lobbyists from treating legislators multiple times, provided each time they stayed within the cost cap.

Willard said his bill also might not stop lobbyists from sharing the expense of a gift that exceeds the limit.

A spokesperson for Common Cause Georgia says "the timing is right" for serious ethics reform. Hopefully, the final legislation that Georgia legislators pass will prove his assessment was correct.

Scandals like this one should prompt legislators to move beyond talk and enact real reform.