Lobbyists have treated Georgia legislators to summer beach vacations for years by paying their way to the conventions of various industry associations that have business before the Legislature. This summer, lobbyists and their clients ponied up about $80,000 to show lawmakers a good time at St. Simons, Amelia Island, Ponte Vedra, Fla., Hilton Head and other resorts.

But this may be the last hurrah. The Senate is preparing to take up a $100 cap on lobbyist gifts, which presumably would rule out beach trips, while House Speaker David Ralston is proposing an outright ban on such gifts.

Subscribers can read our full report in Sunday’s AJC or on our subscription tablet app.

About the Author

Keep Reading

“That kind of sustained, targeted harassment is deeply disturbing,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, R-Ga., posted on social media. “I truly feared for my life, as I do with all of the death threats I receive.” (Rod Lamkey Jr./AP file)

Credit: Rod Lamkey Jr./AP

Featured

“Our members cannot be bought off,” General President Sean O’Brien said in a social media statement, calling UPS' offers “illegal and haphazard.” (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC