Fun in the sun for lobbyists and legislators

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.

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