Bill > SB13

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 funds 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 allows some exceptions, such as allowing political subdivision employees and elected officials to provide information to legislators, appear before legislative committees, and advocate for or against legislation without triggering lobbyist registration requirements. The bill also enables taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief and recover attorney's fees if a political subdivision violates these restrictions. Additionally, the bill modifies existing law regarding county spending on state association memberships, removing language about indirect legislative influence. The restrictions apply to expenditures made on or after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the end of the legislative session, and any existing contract terms that would violate the new restrictions are automatically voided.