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IA SF493
IA SF493A bill for an act prohibiting political subdivisions from using certain moneys to hire lobbyists or pay instrumentalities, and providing penalties.(Formerly SSB 1042.)
summary
Introduced
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
In Committee
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits a political subdivision from using moneys received from the imposition of a tax to employ or compensate a lobbyist, or to pay an instrumentality that employs or compensates a lobbyist. For the purposes of the bill, “instrumentality” is defined and includes, among other entities that meet certain qualifications, the Iowa league of cities, the Iowa state association of counties and any of its affiliates, and the Iowa school board association. When used in Code chapter 68B (government ethics and lobbying), “lobbyist” means an individual who, by acting directly, receives compensation to encourage the passage, defeat, approval, veto, or modification of legislation, a rule, or an executive order by the members of the general assembly, a state agency, or any statewide elected official; is a designated representative of an organization which has as one of its purposes the encouragement of the passage, defeat, approval, veto, or modification of legislation, a rule, or an executive order before the general assembly, a state agency, or any statewide elected official; represents the position of a federal, state, or local government agency, in which the person serves or is employed as the designated representative, for purposes of encouraging the passage, defeat, approval, veto, or modification of legislation, a rule, or an executive order by members of the general assembly, a state agency, or any statewide elected official; or makes expenditures of more than $1,000 in a year, other than to pay another lobbyist or to communicate with only the members of the general assembly who represent the district in which the individual resides, to communicate in person with members of the general assembly, a state agency, or any statewide elected official for purposes of encouraging the passage, defeat, approval, veto, or modification of legislation, a rule, or an executive order. A person who knowingly and intentionally violates the bill is guilty of a serious misdemeanor and if the person is a lobbyist, the person may be reprimanded, suspended, or dismissed from the person’s position or otherwise sanctioned. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using tax revenue to hire lobbyists or pay organizations that employ lobbyists. The bill specifically defines "instrumentality" as an entity that serves a governmental purpose, operates on behalf of political subdivisions, is controlled by political subdivision members, and includes specific organizations like the Iowa League of Cities, the Iowa State Association of Counties, and the Iowa School Board Association. A lobbyist is defined broadly as someone who receives compensation to influence legislation, rules, or executive orders by directly communicating with government officials, representing an organization with legislative goals, or spending over $1,000 annually to communicate with government officials about potential policy changes. Any person who knowingly violates this restriction would be guilty of a serious misdemeanor, which can result in up to one year of confinement and a fine between $430 and $2,560, and potentially face professional sanctions such as suspension or dismissal from their position. The bill aims to restrict how public funds can be used to influence legislative processes and prevent potential conflicts of interest in governmental lobbying activities.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Local Government (Senate)
Last Action
Placed on calendar. (on 02/23/2026)
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://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF493 |
| Fiscal Note - Political Subdivisions, Lobbyist Compensation | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/FN/1524503.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF493.html |
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