Version A final setup - Florida House of Representatives

RULE SEVENTEEN–ETHICS AND CONDUCT OF LOBBYISTS
17.1—Obligations of a Lobbyist
(a) A lobbyist shall supply facts, information, and opinions of
principals to legislators from the point of view that the lobbyist openly declares.
A lobbyist shall not offer or propose anything that may reasonably be construed
to improperly influence the official act, decision, or vote of a legislator, nor
shall a lobbyist attempt to improperly influence the selection of officers or
employees of the House. A lobbyist, by personal example and admonition to
colleagues, shall maintain the honor of the legislative process by the integrity of
the lobbyist's relationship with legislators as well as with the principals whom
the lobbyist represents.
(b) A lobbyist shall not knowingly and willfully falsify, conceal, or
cover up, by any trick, scheme, or device, a material fact; make any false,
fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or make or use any writing
or document knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent
statement or entry.
(c) During a regular session, or any extended or special session, a
lobbyist may not contribute to a member's campaign.
(d) A lobbyist may not make any expenditure prohibited by s.
11.045(4)(a), Florida Statutes.
(e) No registered lobbyist shall be permitted upon the floor of the
House while it is in session.
17.2—Advisory Opinions; Compilation Thereof
A lobbyist, when in doubt about the applicability and interpretation of Rule
17.1 in a particular context related to that lobbyist's conduct, or any person
when in doubt about the applicability and interpretation of s. 11.045, s.
112.3148, or s. 112.3149, Florida Statutes, as such statute or statutes may apply
to that person, may request an advisory opinion under this rule. Such request
shall be in writing, addressed to the Speaker, and shall contain the relevant
facts. The Speaker shall either refer the issue to the House general counsel for
review and drafting of an advisory opinion of the Speaker or refer the issue to a
committee designated by the Speaker to have responsibility for the ethical
conduct of lobbyists, and the person requesting the advisory opinion may
appear in person before such committee. The Speaker or this committee shall
render advisory opinions to the person who seeks advice as to whether the facts
as described in the request and any supplemental communication would
constitute a violation of such rule or statute by that person. Such opinion, until
amended or revoked, shall be binding upon the House in any proceeding upon a
subsequent complaint concerning the person who sought the opinion and acted
on it in good faith, unless material facts were omitted or misstated in the
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