Maine considers rule to bar text messages from lobbyists

01/31/2007

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Wary of lobbyists calling signals from the sidelines, Maine is taking steps to ban text messages and e-mails to lawmakers in session as it becomes the latest state to address the ever-expanding use of electronic communications in statehouses.

Maine's proposed House rule seeks to prevent abuse of "secret, instant communications" by lobbyists who closely monitor actions by representatives in session, said the sponsor, state Rep. Herbert Adams. Maine's proposed rule is one of farthest-reaching in the country, he said.

"It's an effort to deal with a serious problem that will only get worse if it's not dealt with now," said Adams, D-Portland. "Being a practical Yankee state, this was a good place to think it through first."

More than 30 states have addressed in some fashion the use of electronic devices, such as pagers, cell phones and desktop printers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some states are concerned about ethical implications of using those devices, while others are more concerned about decorum, Adams said.