lobbying ban

House Speaker Richard Corcoran making good on transparency, accountability promises

Published on March 15, 2017 in Statewide by William Patrick

House Speaker Richard Corcoran began his two-year speakership in November by promising a “transformational leap” in government accountability and transparency. “The Florida House will set the standard for others to emulate,” he declared. Such pronouncements are often uttered by politicians, especially those who may aspire to higher office. But one week into Florida’s annual legislative session the hard-charging Republican reformer from Land O’Lakes has a lot to show for his audacious accountability talk. While the final outcome is far from certain, under…

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House passes 6-year lobbying ban on former lawmakers, others

Published on March 10, 2017 in Statewide/Top Headlines by Jim Rosica

The Florida House has approved extend the state’s lobbying ban on former lawmakers and statewide elected officers from two to six years. With no debate, House members on Friday voted 110-3 for the measure (HB 7003), a priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran. The bill now heads to the Senate. If signed into law, the measure would be the longest lobbying ban in the nation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But it has raised constitutional concerns over free speech…

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House lobbying ban extension cleared for floor

Published on February 21, 2017 in Statewide/Top Headlines by Jim Rosica

A measure to increase the ban from two years to six years on former lawmakers and statewide elected officers lobbying their colleagues after leaving office is now cleared to be considered by the full House of Representatives. The House Rules and Policy Committee OK’d the measure (HJR 7001) unanimously on Tuesday. As its second and final review panel, it’s now available to be discussed on the House floor when the 2017 Legislative Session begins March 7. Extending the lobbying ban is a…

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House panel OK’s lobbying ban extensions, won’t impeach judge

Published on January 24, 2017 in Statewide/Top Headlines by Jim Rosica

A new House ethics panel on Tuesday unanimously approved two measures as part of Speaker Richard Corcoran’s new “culture of transparency.” One (PIE 17-01) would increase the ban on former lawmakers and statewide elected officers lobbying their colleagues after leaving office from two years to six years by way of a constitutional amendment. The other (PIE 17-02) “extend(s) the prohibition on legislators lobbying the executive branch” from two to six years after leaving office. Also Tuesday, Larry Metz—who chairs the…

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Draft opinion says Tena Pate not banned from lobbying

Published on October 6, 2016 in Statewide by Jim Rosica

A proposed Florida Commission on Ethics opinion says Tena Pate, former chair of the state’s parole panel, is not subject to the state’s two-year lobbying ban on high-level employees. A staff-written advisory opinion, released Friday, will be considered for approval at the commission’s Oct. 21 meeting. Pate chaired the Florida Commission on Offender Review, formerly known as the Florida Parole Commission, beginning in 2010 after being appointed in 2003. She resigned to run for the nonpartisan Leon County Supervisor of Elections seat this year. Pate lost in…

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Protest over $125 million Lottery contract ‘dismissed’

Published on August 8, 2016 in Statewide/Top Headlines by Jim Rosica

A bid protest filed over a Florida Lottery advertising contract worth $125 million has been “dismissed,” a spokeswoman said Monday. Lottery communications director Connie Barnes, in response to an inquiry from FloridaPolitics.com, said the “dispute has been dismissed.” She did not offer further details, including when and why. Barnes did not immediately respond to a request for more information. “The Lottery is looking forward to finalizing the contract and moving forward with PP+K,” she said, referring to the winning bidder, a Tampa-based advertising agency. St. John & Partners, a…

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Ethics Commission clears staff director for lobbying

Published on July 29, 2016 in Statewide/Top Headlines by Jim Rosica

The Florida Commission on Ethics says a legislative bill drafting staff director isn’t covered by the state’s lobbying ban on some state workers. The commission approved a staff-written advisory opinion at its meeting Friday. Joseph Gillespie, the staff director of the House of Representatives Bill Drafting Service, requested the opinion last month. The office’s bill drafters write the first draft of bills for lawmakers to file. In a letter, Gillespie told the commission he “will be seeking positions that require me to represent other persons…

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