Monday, Jan. 14, 2013

ATLANTA (AP) -- Senate lawmakers could not accept gifts worth more than $100 from lobbyists under a proposed chamber rule, but significant loopholes remain.

Lawmakers were expected to vote Monday on that proposal and others on the first day of their annual session.

The proposed rule would ban lawmakers from accepting a gift worth more than $100 from a lobbyist or a group of lobbyists.

But the rule would not stop lawmakers from accepting travel junkets from lobbyists, industries or businesses. The proposed cap would not apply to meals or events that are open to all members of the General Assembly.

The Senate rule would make clear that a subcommittee must review expense reports filed by senators at least once every two months.

(Copyright 2013, The Associated Press)