SB 1634 would allow legislators to accept a non-alcoholic beverage from a lobbyist, and to have a meal with organizations that invite them to speak. Its outlook is cloudy, though, without enough interest in the House to file a companion bill.

Fundraising frenzy envelopes Tallahassee in advance of session deadline

by Bruce Ritchie - 28 months ago - +

Former Rep. Scott Plakon enters the Governors Club for a fundraiser for himself and Rep. Ross Spano, R-Riverview, and former representatives Eric Eisnaugle and Brad Drake. Photo by Bruce Ritchie.

House and Senate rules prohibit fundraising during session. So with the 2013 session starting Tuesday, at least 17 fundraisers were being held Monday in Tallahassee.

2013 Session Outlook: Ethics and Elections

by Bill Cotterell - 29 months ago - +

After the fall elections embarrassed Florida again on the national scene with images of hours-long lines of voters and a presidential vote count unfinished for days, the House and Senate leadership is in a reform mood. They also want to take a crack at campaign financing and lobbyists' gift giving.

Senators go to ethics school

by Bill Cotterell - 29 months ago - +

State Sen. Dorothy Hukill talks with Senate general counsel George Levesque after a training session on ethics, public records and open meeting requirements for lawmakers on Tuesday. Photo by Bill Cotterell.

Gifts, voting conflicts, open meetings and public records are on the agenda as lawmakers hear the best way to do the right thing. ... Related Research: Video from WFSU-TV/The FLORIDA Channel.

Abramoff calls Florida's lobbyist gift ban toothless

by Bill Cotterell - 38 months ago - +

Former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff speaks to the Capital Tiger Bay Club on Thursday. Photo by Bill Cotterell

The former Washington lobbyist told the Capital Tiger Bay Club it makes no sense to limit lobbyists' wining and dining of lawmakers because they can still carry batches of $500 checks.

2011 session summary: Ethics and elections

by Gary Fineout - 52 months ago - +

What passed, what failed, what you need to know regarding ethics and election law. Florida lawmakers enacted a controversial elections bill during the 2011 session that critics contend is aimed at helping Republicans in the 2012 elections. But a stinging grand jury report on corruption did nothing to prompt lawmakers into action.

Senate panel approves bill that would relax ban on gifts from lobbyists

by Brent Henzi - 53 months ago - +

A bill that would allow legislators to accept gifts of $25 or less and simply report gifts between $25 and $100 was narrowly approved by a Senate panel on Monday. Supporters say it will allow legislators to connect with voters and not worry about consequences, while opponents argue it does not help the perception of corruption in Tallahassee.

Policy Note: Lobbying