Bill > HB314

This bill prohibits the use of "public funds," defined as any grant or appropriation from state, county, town, city, village district, unincorporated place, or school district, for lobbying activities, which includes attempting to influence legislation or participating in political activity. If an entity receiving public funds wishes to engage in such activities, it must physically and financially separate those funds from any other funds used for lobbying, with mere bookkeeping separation being insufficient. Taxpayers or residents can seek court orders to stop prohibited activities and the payment of public funds for them, and if successful, can recover their legal costs. Individuals knowingly authorizing the spending of public funds in violation of this bill face a Class A misdemeanor charge and personal liability for three times the amount wrongfully spent, with that money going to the entity that provided the funds. Knowing violations can also lead to an employee's discharge. The bill clarifies that it does not prevent entities from providing information that does not advocate for or against candidates or legislation, and it applies to all expenditures made on or after January 1, 2026, regardless of when contracts were entered into.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=496&inflect=2