Ethics board asks for veto of lobbying bill BATON ROUGE, LA. (AP) (wrkf) - The Louisiana Board of Ethics is asking Gov. Bobby Jindal to veto a bill that broadens an exception to a $50 cap on lobbyists' wining and dining of lawmakers and other public officials.

Ethics Board Chairman Frank Simoneaux says the bill by Rep. Noble Ellington would weaken ethics standards.

Lobbyists can spend up to $50 a meal for a lawmaker or other official, but they have no cap on a meal when it is "in conjunction with" a conference or regional event.

Ellington's bill also would do away with the cap for offsite receptions and meals at a conference or regional meeting if at least 10 people associated with the organization are invited.

A Jindal spokesman says the governor prefers the existing law but wasn't inclined to "override the will of the Legislature." © Copyright 2009, wrkf