New Rules Limit Gifts From State Lobbyists

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Gifts from lobbyists to Oklahoma state lawmakers have dropped by more than 90 percent in the six months since new limits were enacted.

Reports filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission this week showed lobbyists spent only $7,100 on state lawmakers over the past six months, compared to $80,000 in the same period a year earlier.

The new limits, which took effect July 1, allow lobbyists to spend only $100 on gifts for state lawmakers and elected officials in a calendar year. The old limit was three times as much.

It also requires all gifts of $10 or more to be reported, instead of only gifts that cost at least $50.