ATLANTA (May 6, 2013) –Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer (R – Duluth) applauds Governor Nathan Deal’s decision to sign two bills that limit lobbyist gifts and change the process for reporting campaign contributions into Georgia law. House Bill 142 and House Bill 143 were passed by the Georgia General Assembly during the last few days of the 2013 legislative session.
“As a long-time supporter of lobbyist gift limits, I am proud of the steps taken by the General Assembly to enact common sense limitations into law. The road to passing these bills was not always easy, but I commend my fellow legislators, Governor Deal, Lt. Governor Cagle and Speaker Ralston, for their unwavering commitment to the task. This is an important step to fostering an ethical culture in which lobbyist influence is limited and issues are decided on merit,” said Sen. Shafer.
House Bill 142 caps lobbyist expenditures at $75 and bans gifts such as golf outings, concert tickets and international travel. In addition, any individual who receives more than $250 in compensation or reimbursement for promoting the passage or opposition of legislation must register with the state as a lobbyist. Sen. Shafer was a member of the conference committee charged with finding a compromise between the different House and Senate versions of the bill.
House Bill 143 revises the required process for completing campaign disclosure reports by requiring candidates for county or municipal offices to file reports with the local county election superintendent or municipal clerk rather than with the state Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. In addition, candidates for local office may also file a written notice stating the candidate or campaign committee does not intend to accept campaign contributions or make expenditures in greater than $2,500.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028