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Senate ethics panel advances long‑arm bill to reach out‑of‑state election spenders
Summary
The Senate Ethics Committee advanced LC 473885S (HB 414), a substitute aimed at allowing Georgia's Ethics Commission to compel information from out‑of‑state actors who spend to influence Georgia elections; critics warned it could chill speech and needs clearer safeguards.
The Senate Ethics Committee advanced a substitute for HB 414 (LC 473885S) after a presentation from Chairman Jones and David Amati, the ethics commission’s executive director, and public testimony opposing the measure.
Chairman Jones said the bill is intended to close “a hole where the ethics committee effectively only goes to the state line,” explaining the change would let the commission pursue inquiries into individuals and groups outside Georgia that spend money to influence state elections. “If you’re gonna play football in Georgia, you’re subject to our referees all the time,” Jones said, using a…
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