Lawmakers in the Florida House got a paternal chiding Tuesday to mind their manners and cool it on using their high-tech gadgets, according to Local 6 News partner Florida Today.

Rep. Dudley Goodlette, a Naples Republican, chief lieutenant to House Speaker Allan Bense and chairman of the powerful Rules & Calendar Committee, started off Tuesday's session by announcing distribution of a detailed memo outlining proper decorum.

The report said Legislators who are unable to ignore their cell phones and wireless e-mail gadgets aren't showing the right respect to fellow members and citizens in committee meetings.

"We won't point out anyone specific at this time," Goodlette said, warning that a public calling out could be coming if members don't shape up and give their full attention to the business at hand in committee meetings. "It's just disorderly and discourteous, members."

Bense followed up Goodlette's announcement with a jovial, "Thanks, Dad," Florida Today reported.

However, Bense did say the memo was serious. He said he's monitored televised committee meetings and has seen lawmakers more attentive to incoming e-mails on their Blackberries than to public testimony on bills.

That's disrespectful of people who've traveled long distances to have their say, Bense said in the report.

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