New lobbying and travel restrictions for Arkansas lawmakers now have the support of majorities in both the House and the Senate.
Sixty-three additional House members signed on Thursday as co-sponsors of an ethics bill scheduled for a vote next week. The measure now has 74 co-sponsors in the 98-member House. An identical bill has 33 co-sponsors in the 35-member Senate.
The proposal places a one-year “cooling off” period before ex-lawmakers could register as lobbyists. It would apply to lawmakers elected after the proposal takes effect, so it would not affect some current lawmakers. It also limits lawmakers’ travel reimbursement costs to the less expensive of two methods, flying or driving.
Gov. Mike Beebe says he’ll sign the restrictions into law. Both chambers are expected to vote on the restrictions Monday.