From Deseret News archives:
Ethics reforms may be subtle, not sweeping
Already, the House has approved HB178 that would require the reporting, by name, of legislators who accept gifts valued at $5 or more, although meals under $50 would still be exempt. Wednesday, a Senate committee approved a similar bill, SB246, although the gift reporting would only apply to "tangible personal property" and not things such as golf games, meals or event tickets under $50.
Both bills would require quarterly reports from lobbyists, although they would not be required to file a year-end tally of their gifts.
Sen. Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse, the sponsor of SB246, said that his changes are based on what he thinks his fellow Senators will approve. While it was not going as far as some other bills, it was still tightening restrictions.
"I know there are individuals who want more and there are individuals who want less," Killpack said. "But I think this is a good step forward."
Along with the reporting for most tangible gifts, SB246 would also prohibit lobbyists from having clients on opposing sides of an issue, creating a conflict of interest. For example, a lobbyist could not represent banks and credit unions.
Travel would also have to be reported if it is paid for by a lobbyist.
Although the bill passed the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee unanimously, members still had concerns about the value of some of the changes. They also pointed out some new loopholes, such as the fact that a lobbyist who bought a legislator a $6 glass of wine would have to name the lawmaker because that is not a meal, but would not have to name the legislator who accepted a $45 meal.
Sen. Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, also questioned the point of quarterly reports. By requiring four reports, the money given to legislators may actually seem "diminumus" to the public.
"It could be minimized if it's reported quarterly," he said. "I wonder which way is the better way."
E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com
