http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/06/AR2009020603784.html

Measure Would Tighten Rule on Lobbyist Meals

Washington Post; February 6, 2009; John Wagner

Senate Minority Leader Allan H. Kittleman (R-Howard) said yesterday that he is proposing legislation to ban the widespread practice of lobbyists buying meals for entire legislative committees and county delegations.

Under a decade-old Maryland law, lobbyists cannot buy meals for individual lawmakers. But they are allowed to entertain them in larger groups such as committees or county delegations and often do so at considerable expense to those they represent.

"I don't think anyone is being bought . . . but I think it gives the wrong perception," Kittleman (R-Howard) said.

His bill would curtail the practice so that lobbyists could invite only the entire General Assembly to a meal or reception.

Kittleman said his bill was prompted by a Washington Post report in May that close to $1 million was spent on meals and receptions held by lobbyists and their largely corporate clients during year's 90-day legislation session.

The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. James Brochin (D-Baltimore County).