As a co-author of key governmental ethics reform measures, District 34 State Senator Francis Thompson (D-Delhi) is pleased with the progress of the on-going special session of the legislature. In the initial days of the session, the Senate approved a series of bills that address transparency in government operations, conflicts of interest involving public servants and lobbyists' regulations.

"I am pleased with what we have been able to accomplish so far at this special session," Sen. Thompson said. "These reforms not only address the perception of corrupt government in Louisiana, they send a strong message to citizens and businesses in Louisiana and across the nation that we can and will do it right. These reforms open the door to a better Louisiana, a Louisiana that is a great place to live, to work and to grow."

When finally approved by the full legislature, lawmakers will no longer be able to accept free tickets to sporting and cultural events , do business with the state or accept a meal from lobbyists that is worth over $50. Additionally, the public will get a first hand look at the sources of income of public officials as well as what lobbyists spend on lawmakers and why.

Important reform measures approved by either the Senate or the House of Representatives include:

House Bill 1 requires statewide elected officials, legislators, judges, local officials and members of certain influential state boards and commissions to annually disclose certain personal financial information.

Senate Bill 1 prohibits lawmakers and certain executive branch officials from contracting with the state.

Senate Bill 2 prevents legislators as well as statewide elected officials and executive department agencies from lobbying the state or the legislature for a fee.

Senate Bill 3 repeals an exemption in current state law that allows legislators to receive free tickets to cultural and sporting events from lobbyists.

Senate Bill 5 prohibits lawmakers and other elected officials from voting on matters in which they have a possible conflict of interest.

Senate Bill 44 bans lawmakers, statewide elected officials and state agency heads from being paid to represent anyone in a transaction with the state.

Senate Bill 8 limits what lobbyists can spend on public servants for food and drink to $50 per person, per event. There is currently no limit on such expenditures, although the expenses are reported.

Senate Bill 9 requires lobbyists to file expenditure reports monthly. The measure also requires lobbyists to report expenditures totaling $50 or more on any one legislator or executive branch official rather than the current $250 total.

Senate Bill 10 prohibits lobbyists from entering into a contingency fee contract with a client.

Senate Bill 11 expands the information lobbyists must include on their lobbyist registration forms and expenditure reports to provide more information to citizens about their lobbying activities and relationships with legislators.

Senate Bill 35 bans public servants from transferring their assets to another entity in an effort to skirt state ethics laws.

The details of these measures and other ethics reform proposals under consideration at the special session are available on the Internet at www.legis.state.la.us . Citizens may also watch legislative committee meetings and floor debate on the same site.