Bill > HJR1006

This resolution proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that would prohibit governmental bodies from using state or local funds to contract with lobbyists for lobbying purposes. Specifically, the amendment bans governmental bodies from spending public money to enter into contracts with lobbyists or pay membership dues to organizations that lobby on their behalf, with some exceptions. The resolution provides detailed definitions for terms like "lobbying" (communicating with public servants to influence legislative or administrative actions), "lobbyist" (someone who receives over $400 per quarter for lobbying), and "governmental body" (which includes various state and local government entities). While the amendment generally restricts outsourced lobbying, it does allow governmental bodies to employ their own staff, including registered lobbyists, to conduct lobbying activities. The proposed constitutional amendment would become effective on January 1, 2027, and would be submitted to Arkansas voters for approval at the next general election. If approved by a majority of voters, it would become part of the Arkansas Constitution, creating a new restriction on how government entities can spend public funds on lobbying activities.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hjr1006&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R