Ethics Reform Advances in State Legislature

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Rather than follow the Governor's lead and ban gifts, Utah lawmakers believe it's enough to reveal more of the gifts they receive from lobbyists. The Utah House gave unanimous support to a measure that requires lobbyists, as well as city and state officials, to report any gift worth more than five dollars they give to a legislator.

But the rule doesn't apply to meals, which account for many of the freebies lobbyists offer on Capitol Hill. Currently lobbyists only report gifts worth more than 50 dollars. Many on Capitol Hill still believe the problem is a perception created by the media that lawmakers are quote "on the take." Lawmakers say the new reporting rules will let voters to see who takes what and decide if there's a problem.

The measure now goes to the Senate where Republican leaders say they are more inclined to support disclosure over a ban of any kind.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2007 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW