Bill > HB209

This bill restricts how political subdivisions (like counties or cities) can use public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, political subdivisions are prohibited from spending public money to hire registered lobbyists to lobby state legislators, or to pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent political subdivisions and hire such lobbyists. However, the bill does not prevent political subdivision officers or employees from providing information to legislators, appearing before legislative committees, or advocating for or against legislation in certain circumstances that do not require formal lobbyist registration. The bill allows taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief and recover attorney's fees if a political subdivision violates these restrictions. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions for county spending on state association memberships, ensuring that such associations cannot directly influence legislation or contribute to political campaigns. The new restrictions will apply to expenditures made on or after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the end of the legislative session.