Generally, democratic republics frown on bribery. But House Bill 640, introduced by Rep. Robert Brawley (R-Iredell), would lift the current ban on gift-giving by lobbyists.
This bill would loosen some of the restrictions that were beefed up in the aftermath of the Jim Black scandal. Black had accepted gifts while speaker of the House of Representatives from lobbyists, and was found guilty of corruption, resulting in a prison sentence.
The restrictions were passed in direct reaction to this scandal, but the need for them has not abated. These were not laws crafted only on theory or based on hypothetical situations. Lobbyists are no longer allowed to give gifts because of the very real threat of corruption.
However, Brawley claims there is no need for these restrictions, and that the laws hinder relationships between lobbyists and lawmakers.
Hindering those relationships is the point. Lobbyists are hired by special interests specifically to influence lawmakers to make decisions often run contrary to the public interests.
The removal of these restrictions would send more of a message than their absence. With this bill, the state Senate would essentially be endorsing gift-giving by lobbyists. The passage of this bill would act as advertisement for lobbyists to flood the Senate with gifts.
It would be open hunting season for lobbyists in Raleigh.
