Rule 171.9 Muzzles Representatives

Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, February 8, 2013 – By Sue Ella Deadwyler

Good morning, Jim.  Since some legislators say they are entitled to unlimited gifts because they spend so much to get elected, last year’s ethics bill was dead-on-arrival.  Now, the Georgia House of Representatives has adopted a rule that limits participation in the legislative process for citizens that do not register for a lobby badge to wear at the capitol and legislative office building.  Currently, professional lobbyists must register, but volunteers don’t have to.

House Rule 171.9 restricts the freedom of speech in a back-handed way.  We’re told we can discuss legislation with any representative, and that’s technically true, but there’s a back side to that.  While we’re free to talk to them, House Rule 171.9 prohibits representatives from discussing issues with anyone who does not live within his House district, unless that person is wearing a lobby badge.

So, anyone can talk to or at a legislator till both are blue in the face, but House Rules prohibit representatives from responding or discussing or initiating a discussion about political issues with anyone who is not wearing a lobbyist badge.  That’s a two-edged sword.  It curtails the representatives’ freedom of speech and, by doing so, shuts down public input. Continue reading →