ORD-MC Amend Sec 602.802 (Restricted Activities), Pt 8 (Lobbying), Ch 602 (Jacksonville Ethics Code), Ord Code, to Prohibit Certain Expenditures to the Mayor & Council Members; Prov for Codification Instructions (Reingold) (Introduced by CM Carlucci) 10/14/25 CO Introduced: R, F 10/20/25 R Read 2nd & Rerefer 10/21/25 F Read 2nd & Rerefer 10/28/25 CO PH Read 2nd & Rerefer Public Hearing Pursuant to Ch 166, F.S. & C.R. 3.601 - 10/28/25
Summary
This ordinance, introduced by Council Member Carlucci and prepared by Dylan Reingold of the Office of General Counsel, amends Section 602.802 of the Jacksonville Ethics Code. The amendment specifically targets lobbying activities by prohibiting lobbyists or lobbying principals from making, and the Mayor and Council Members from knowingly accepting, any direct or indirect payment, distribution, loan, advance, reimbursement, deposit, or anything of value for the purpose of lobbying.
Key Provisions:
- Prohibition on Payments: Lobbyists and lobbying principals cannot provide any form of financial value to the Mayor or Council Members for lobbying purposes.
- Prohibition on Acceptance: The Mayor and Council Members cannot knowingly accept such payments.
- Exclusions: This prohibition does not apply to contributions or expenditures reported under Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, or federal election law, campaign-related personal services by volunteers, contributions to political parties, or expenditures by organizations exempt under 26 U.S.C. s. 527 or s. 501(c)(4).
- Data Usage Restriction: Information from lobbyist registration statements cannot be sold or used for soliciting campaign contributions, selling tickets to fundraising events, or for commercial purposes.
Effective Date: Upon signature by the Mayor or becoming effective without signature.
This ordinance aims to enhance ethical conduct by preventing potential conflicts of interest between lobbyists and city officials. It clarifies what constitutes prohibited financial interactions related to lobbying activities, promoting greater transparency in government.
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