State Budget Nears Approval, Guns and Ethics Still Uncertain

A compromise has apparently been reached on a $75 cap on lobbyist gifts. Another key element of a previous version of the bill, which was backed by House Speaker David Ralston, would have required citizen advocates, paid or unpaid, to register as lobbyists. That element has been taken out.

Under the current proposal, only advocates who are spending certain amounts of money on lawmakers will have to register as lobbyists.

Governor Nathan Deal helped lawmakers strike the deal.

“I think [the deal] is an indication that [lawmakers] have listened to the concerns of the public, and I am pleased that they have come to an agreement on that.”

The compromise bill is expected to pass by the end of the night.

On guns, sources at the Capitol are less optimistic. The bill seeks to expand gun carry areas to some government buildings and parts of grade schools and college campuses.

But a sticking point has emerged over whether licensed gun owners can carry on college campuses. Both sides apparently are for it, but one of several elements reportedly holding the bill up is a provision that would require students aged 21-25 to go through training before allowed to carry. 

Governor Deal, for one, supports the provision, but House leaders, sources say, are dragging their feet.

“Special training is a good requirement, and if the bill is finalized tonight, I hope that that provision will remain in it,” said Deal.

Meanwhile, lawmakers have reached a deal on the 2014 budget. The Senate signed off moments ago, and House approval is expected shortly. The budget is the only legislative item lawmakers are constitutionally required to pass by the end of the night. Senate and House members will likely be here late into the evening to decide the rest.