Battle looms over disclosure of lobbyist gifts

Published: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006 9:35 a.m. MST
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A battle is brewing between the House and the Senate over an ethics bill that would force lobbyists to disclose gifts given to lawmakers that are worth more than $5.

HB101, sponsored by House Majority Leader Jeff Alexander, R-Provo, was sent to the Senate early in the session. Now Alexander is complaining there's been no pressure on senators to take action.

In an entry on the House GOP majority's blog site, (houseofreps.blogspot.com), Alexander called on the media to "put your ink where your mouth is and let the Senate know their inaction hasn't gone unnoticed!"

Asked by reporters Monday about the status of Alexander's bill, Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, said it will be substituted by an unnamed senator before it is heard in the Revenue and Taxation Committee. Bramble offered no details but said some senators have suggested doubling the current gift limit of $50.

"I have some concerns," Bramble said. "There are some good things in Jeff's bill. Some things are problematic." He said, for example, the House bill would require members of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s staff to register as lobbyists.

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Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, said his concern was how the bill would treat the meals lawmakers accept when they speak to groups. "I don't see that as a gift," Valentine said of the meals, although that's what they would be considered under the bill.

But there appears to be a split among Senate leaders over whether to raise or lower the limit on gifts other than meals. Valentine, who did not endorse raising the limit, said he didn't know if there would be any action on this issue this session.

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