President Bush yesterday signed new ethics and lobbying legislation that the Arkansas legislature would do well to simply adopt in virtually every instance. This link is to competing legislation and includes the final version signed yesterday.

Among others things, the legislation:

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Prohibits gifts by lobbyists or interests employing lobbyists to legislators and staff.
Prohibits free trips.
Requires more and better disclosure
Requires reporting of campaign contributions.
Lengthens to two years the waiting period for converting from legislator to lobbyist.
Stiffens penalties.
Outlaws pensions to members convicted of crimes related to their duties.

Who could object? Besides Bob Johnson, of course.

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