Deadline to Vote on Lobbyist Gifts Near

March 17th, 2013

The Senate Rules Committee meets Tuesday to discuss proposed legislation from House Speaker David Ralston.

His proposal would prohibit lobbyist spending on individual state officials, including lawmakers.

His plan would still allow lobbyists to buy meals for committees and pay for trips that are related to a lawmaker’s official duties.

Critics say that opens the door for too many loopholes.

Earlier this year, Senate lawmakers adopted an internal rule barring members from accepting lobbyists’ gifts worth more than $100.

Ralston, a Republican, has publicly mocked the Senate’s spending cap.

Senate leaders have kept quiet about what they intend to do.

This year’s session wraps up on March 28^th. Any bill not approved by both chambers automatically fails.

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