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Politics

'Legislator University' Schools Lawmakers on Civility, Ethics and New Lobbying Rules

December 8, 2016 - 6:00am

It’s “back to school”  for Florida lawmakers hoping  to make their mark in the state Legislature next year as they descend upon Tallahassee for “Legislator University” held this week at the Florida Capitol.


State lawmakers are brushing up on what, exactly, goes into being a legislator beyond the title and the fancy personalized plaque sitting on their desks.


The brainchild of House Speaker Richard Corcoran, Legislator University aims to educate lawmakers on important lessons like civility, healthcare, the budget and Corcoran’s new crackdown on legislator-lobbying relationships. 


Legislators had to attend three mandatory seminars, all numbered just like college classes. The training will offer lawmakers the chance to dive into their new part-time jobs before March, when many (46, to be exact) lawmakers will begin their first legislative session.


Motivational speaker Shelby Scarbrough spoke to the group of lawmakers about the importance of civility in politics. In the past, Scarbrough has given talks on goals, optimism and success as well as relationship building in communities and the importance of strong leadership. 


The other two must-attend seminars included Respect in the Workplace and a sexual harassment seminar.


GS 303, the class titled "What Do the Rules Changes Mean for Me?" honed in on what Corcoran’s new House rules would mean for members moving forward. 


Lawmakers passed a sweeping set of rule changes during the House's organization session in November, with several of those changes directly affecting lobbyists, who wield large amounts of power in the legislative process. 


According to the new House rules, lobbyists will have some limitations for the 2016-2018 legislative sessions. 


Gone are the days of lobbyists texting lawmakers while they're on the House floor -- and gone are the days of legislators flying in lobbyists private jets. Both will be strictly off limits.
 
Legislators also won't be allowed to become lobbyists for six years after leaving office, putting a pause on the ambitions of many former lawmakers hoping to continue directly influencing the legislative process. 


"In a culture where campaigns often reward hyper polarizing and bombastic speech, to get a group of legislators together that range from all sorts of philosophical and ideological background I think it's ok to say ‘ok we can get together, we can get along, we may not always agree,’” said  Rep. Jamie Grant, R-Tampa.


Legislators aren’t the only one who will be getting a crash course in the new regulations. To help lobbyists transition into the new House rules, the House will be holding training sessions next week in Tallahassee. 


The lobbyist training will cover contract disclosure requirements for lobbyists who represent public entities as well as other rules. 

 

 

 

Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

A course in the subject of hiding the reality of "Kleptocracy". Specially appropriate now.

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