Local government officials would be forbidden to accept gifts from representatives of foreign countries under legislation proposed by State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill).
Filed in the Florida Senate on Dec. 6, SB 734 would also require local governments to create and share a list of registered lobbyists so taxpayers can see which local legislators are paid to influence local policy.
A twin bill, HB 735, has been filled in the Florida House of Representatives by State Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola). Ingoglia said the proposed measures are intended to promote transparency in local government. “Floridians deserve to know if, when and who are influencing local decision-making,” he said.
If passed and signed into law, SB734/HB735 would go into effect on July 1.
