Bill > HB56

This bill restricts how political subdivisions (like counties or municipalities) can use public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, political subdivisions are prohibited from spending public money to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent political subdivisions and employ lobbyists. However, the bill does not prevent elected officials or employees from providing information to legislators, advocating for legislation, or testifying before legislative committees, as long as these actions do not require lobbyist registration. The bill allows exceptions for associations that solely represent elected sheriffs and for full-time employees of nonprofit associations to perform certain legislative services like bill tracking and providing information. If a political subdivision violates these restrictions, taxpayers or residents can seek injunctive relief and potentially recover their legal fees. The bill also modifies rules about county spending on membership fees for nonprofit associations, adding restrictions on political campaigning and candidate endorsements. These provisions will apply to expenditures and payments made on or after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the end of the legislative session.