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For Immediate Release
04/13/05
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Senate Committee approves Lobbying Accountability Act

Senate Bill 1 Would set standards for public disclosure

The Senate State Government Committee on Tuesday approved Senate Bill 1, the Lobbying Accountability Act, and sent the measure on to the full Senate for consideration, according to Senator John Pippy a co-sponsor of the bill.

 "I am pleased that this important bill is moving forward," Senator Pippy said. "There is a symbolic reason why this bill was introduced as Senate Bill 1. Good government should be our top priority. The people have a right to know who is lobbying, what they are spending to impact public policy, and the issues at which those lobbying efforts are being directed. This is good policy and a necessary step to maintain the public's confidence in the decisions made by state lawmakers."

 The Senate adopted a rule in January 2003 and again in January 2005 that requires lobbyists to register and report their spending as it relates to lobbying the Senate.  This rule remains the only lobbyist disclosure requirement in effect.

 Under SB 1, reports will be filed regularly with the Department of State.  The state Ethics Commission will conduct audits and undertake some investigations.  The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court will receive information and conduct investigations of matters involving lawyer/lobbyists.  The state Attorney General will provide high-level enforcement, in conjunction with the Disciplinary Board.

CONTACT: MATT CAMPION: (412) 262-2260