January 19, 2007 11:37 AM

UPDATE: Senate Victory removes Grassroots Lobbying Regulations

Senate Ethics Reform Bill S.1 was changed late January 18 when an amendment by Senator Robert Bennett of Utah to remove Section 220 was passed. It was that section that would have strapped any person or organization that influences 500 or more people to contact legislators about an issue with the same strict reporting requirements it places on paid lobbyists.

As a result, the Senate version of the bill retains the constitutional rights of freedom of speech, and freedom to petition the government for redress.

The battle may not be over, however. As the bill moves to the House of Representatives, there are those who would try to re-introduce the "grassroots lobbying" language. Should it pass in that form, ultimately a conference committee would make the final decision as to whether it stays or goes.

Be on the alert for future reports as the Ethics Reform Bill moves through Congress.