Florida House rejects amendment to require lawmakers report gifts

[Thom Little]

Florida lawmakers will get a chance Thursday to give up free dinners, drinks and gifts from lobbyists when they vote on legislation designed to cut back on the influence of special interests.

An amendment that would have weakened a proposed ban on all gifts from lobbyists was rejected Wednesday during House debate. By a voice vote, the House rejected the amendment offered by Rep. Randy Johnson, R-Celebration, who is also running to be the state's chief financial officer.

"Somehow the lobby corps is the root of all our evil? We're not responsible for our own actions?" Johnson said. "Give me a break."

In debate on curbing the number of gifts used to grease the legislative process, Johnson sought to have lawmakers complete weekly reports on gifts received from lobbyists.

Rep. John Seiler, D-Wilton Manors, backed Johnson's amendment, adding that lawmakers should assume responsibility for what he described as "broken-down system."

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