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Bill > HB1514
MS HB1514
MS HB1514Contract lobbyists; prohibit agencies, governing authorities and universities and colleges from hiring with public funds.
summary
Introduced
01/20/2025
01/20/2025
In Committee
01/20/2025
01/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Create New Section 5-8-27, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Prohibit State Agencies And Governing Authorities From Expending Public Funds To Pay Contract Lobbyists; To Provide That A Community Or Junior College May Not Expend Public Funds To Pay Any Person To Perform Contract Lobbying; To Amend Section 5-8-3, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Define Additional Terms Used Under The Lobbying Law Reform Act Of 1994; To Amend Section 27-104-7, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Delete Contracts For Legislative Advocacy Services From The Various Types Of Contracts Subject To Oversight By The Public Procurement Review Board; To Bring Forward Section 5-8-7, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Exempts Certain Persons From The Lobbying Laws, For The Purpose Of Possible Amendment; To Amend Section 5-8-13, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Prohibits Lobbyists And Lobbyists' Clients From Participating In Certain Acts, To Conform To The Provisions Of This Act; To Bring Forward Section 37-101-15, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Prohibits Employees Or Agents Representing The Separate State Institutions Of Higher Learning From Appearing Before The Legislature Except Upon Order Of The Board Of Trustees Of State Institutions Of Higher Learning Or Upon The Request Of The Legislature, For Purposes Of Possible Amendment; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits state agencies, governing authorities, and community or junior colleges from using public funds to hire contract lobbyists. Specifically, the legislation creates a new section of law that voids any contracts for lobbying services paid with public funds and allows for the termination of public employees who authorize such expenditures. The bill defines key terms like "state agency," "governing authority," and "contract lobbying," and provides an exception for public employees who are authorized by their supervisors to engage in lobbying as part of their regular job duties. The legislation amends several existing sections of Mississippi law to support this prohibition, including clarifying definitions related to lobbying and removing references to legislative advocacy services from procurement oversight. An important context is that this bill aims to restrict the use of taxpayer money for professional lobbying services by government entities. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies and institutions time to adjust to the new requirements.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1514.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/HB/1500-1599/HB1514IN.htm |
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