Ga. lawmakers reach deal on lobbying rules

ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers have reached a deal to limit lobbyist spending on the final day of the General Assembly's annual session.

Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer said Thursday that the agreed legislation will prevent lobbyists from spending more than $75 at a time on lawmakers. Lobbyists could not expend money on entertainment expenses.

People will have to register as lobbyists if they are reimbursed more than $250 from third-party groups to cover lobbying expenses.

The agreement reached early in the morning is expected to get a vote Thursday.

Two House officials briefed on the situation also confirmed the deal. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly.