Senate OKs bill to expand lobbyist rules

BOISE – The Idaho Senate unanimously passed a bill expanding lobbying registration requirements to include those who try to sway executive-branch officials, including Gov. Dirk Kempthorne.

Still, proponents called Wednesday’s 34-0 vote largely symbolic, because a more-expansive measure now in the House is already winning bipartisan support.

That bill, sponsored by House Speaker Bruce Newcomb, R-Burley, expands the registration requirement beyond those who lobby elected officials to include lobbyists who contact department heads and other state employees while helping clients win contracts, change policies and draft rules.

Currently, only those who lobby legislators must register and report expenses.

“It’s a good-government bill,” Newcomb said of his plan. “It goes further and deeper.”

Democrats, including Sens. Kate Kelly and David Langhorst, both of Boise, began drafting their bill last year in a package of ethics-related reforms following the resignation of Sen. Jack Noble, R-Kuna, amid allegations he introduced a bill to help his business. Their effort has gained momentum this year after federal lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to fraud charges and acknowledged he swindled clients.

“It’s the federal stuff,” said Scott Pugrud, a lobbyist who represents the Idaho Fireworks Association, on why Idaho lawmakers are focusing on lobbying reform. “It’s as simple as that.”

Newcomb plans to hold the Senate bill in the House Ways and Means Committee to give his chamber a chance to debate the more-sweeping version.

It has six Democratic and seven Republican sponsors, including Senate leadership.

In Idaho, lawsuits over contracts – and concerns among some lawmakers about people who were hired by companies to help them win business with the state but aren’t registered as lobbyists – have prompted calls to modify the existing law.

Phil Reberger, Kempthorne’s former chief of staff, was hired by Unisys Corp. to help it win a $50 million state Medicaid contract. He registered as a lobbyist Jan. 31 – after Secretary of State Ben Ysursa opened an investigation into a dinner Reberger attended with Unisys executives and a state senator.

Reberger maintains he’s not a lobbyist.

Those behind the Senate and House bills don’t suspect malfeasance among Idaho lobbyists. Rather, proponents say their modifications address shortcomings in Idaho’s 32-year-old “Sunshine Law.”

“It reminds government officials – not just elected officials, but all government officials – that they’re working for the citizens of our state, and not special interests,” said Kelly. “Without this kind of disclosure at the agency level, there are a whole bunch of conversations that won’t ever be made public.”