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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah lawmakers would no longer be able to receive gifts worth more than $5 from lobbyists under a bill unanimously approved by a House committee Friday.
The bill by Rep. Patricia Jones, D-Salt Lake City, also includes numerous exemptions.
Those include gifts between legislators, campaign contributions, costs of attending national conferences, gifts from private employers and "educational" items related to performing official duties.
Jones said House Bill 94 would help restore the public's trust in government.
"Cynicism is rampant with our constituents and our general public right now and there's a growing apathy toward government," she said. "Much of this can be attributed to the perception that money influences votes."
However, some representatives said there is no problem with money influencing votes in Utah.
"From what I've witnessed I don't see any evidence around here that what's going on is having any type of impact," said Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Sandy. "I'm disappointed with the way the media presents things."
Christensen still voted in favor of the ban, which passed 10-0.
Jones said she didn't think any of her colleagues were being influenced by the gifts they may have received, but said perception is what's most important.
"Name one good reason why elected officials should receive gifts. And what public good does giving gifts to elected officials serve? That's the ultimate question," she said.
Jones' bill will now head to the full House for debate. It is one of three reform bills the Legislature is considering when it comes to lobbyist gifts.
Bills by House Majority Leader Jeff Alexander and Sen. Gregory Bell, R-Fruit Heights, would require lobbyists to file additional gift disclosure reports.
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On the Net:
House Bill 94 http://www.le.state.ut.us/ 7/82006/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HB0094S02.htm
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
