State House Debates Anti-Lobbying Bill
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Lawmakers are still worried about elected officials leaving to take high paying lobbying jobs.
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There’s a bill to keep that from happening this year, but it’s taking time to get all the details worked out.
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If a state representative resigns, he could currently start lobbying the senate, or vice versa. This new bill would put a stop to that.Â
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Lawmakers are still sore after three house representatives, including Barry Mask and Jay Love from our area, resigned their positions to take better job opportunities last year.Â
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The new revolving door act would prevent members from lobbying in either house for two years after their term is finished.
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Senator Hank Sanders has had a lot of discussion on the floor because he wants to be sure the law applies to everyone.
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“I want the law to be so strict so everybody knows what the law is. And the law can be applied equally across the board. I just want fairness, that’s all I want,” said Sen. Sanders.
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And Republicans are happy to entertain the discussion. The measure is part of the house republican agenda, and senate pro tem Del Marsh has made it his priority as well.Â
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“I’m committed on that bill. And I don’t want anything that’s happened this week to look like a delay. It’s not. I think what we’re trying to do is keep that tone. That is a bill that has more questions than most and concerns. So let’s get it right and involve the whole body like we’re doing,” said Sen. Marsh.
