Saturday, June 15 2013 5:40 PM EDT2013-06-15 21:40:32 GMT
Lawmakers in Georgia and several other states are trying to make it harder for police to seize money and property, and requiring more transparency when they do.
Lawmakers in Georgia and several other states are trying to make it harder for police to seize money and property, and requiring more transparency when they do.
Wednesday, February 6 2013 7:41 PM EST2013-02-07 00:41:54 GMT
Georgia lawmakers continue their efforts to reduce gun restrictions in the state, but Republican leaders under the Gold Dome are reluctant to move forward with big changes this year.
Georgia lawmakers continue their efforts to reduce gun restrictions in the state, but Republican leaders under the Gold Dome are reluctant to move forward with big changes this year.
By RAY HENRY Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) - Lobbyists have spent less money on Georgia's state senators in the first month after a new rule imposed limits.
Still, it remains unclear whether the rule alone is responsible for the decrease.
An analysis of financial reports by The Associated Press shows that lobbyists spent roughly $91,300 on Senate lawmakers in the month since the rule passed Jan. 14. That's a decrease of about 35% from the same period a year earlier.
The Senate adopted the rule this year to prohibit members from receiving lobbyist gifts worth more than $100. But the rule left several loopholes, including junkets tied to lawmakers' official duties and events where all state legislators or members of committees or caucuses are invited.
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