“Ethics in government” might strike some people as an oxymoron. But it’s a serious subject, it’s back before the Legislature, and ethics watchdogs like what they see.
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, is the main sponsor of an ethics bill (SB 1372) that passed the Senate Rules Committee on Monday. The bill includes these changes:
• Every city and county must require that any lobbyist — someone who has paid to influence decisions — register as a lobbyist and pay an annual fee of up to $40. The registration requirement, which already applies to the state’s five water management districts, would be extended to similar special districts that oversee hospitals, airports and seaports, expressway authorities and children’s services.
