Bill > HB5192

This bill, called the "Local Government Lobbyist Prohibition Act", aims to prevent local governments from hiring external lobbyists to represent their interests. Specifically, the bill prohibits local governments (which include cities, villages, townships, counties, school districts, community college districts, intermediate school districts, port authorities, and airport authorities) from contracting with individuals who are required to register as lobbyists under Michigan's existing lobbying regulations. The bill provides two key exceptions to this prohibition: first, local government employees who perform lobbying activities are not affected, and second, any lobbying contracts that were already in place before the bill's effective date will remain valid. The bill defines "lobbying" and "lobbyist" by referencing existing definitions in Michigan's Public Act 472 from 1978, which provides standard legal definitions for these terms. By restricting external lobbying contracts, the bill appears intended to limit the use of public funds for professional lobbying services and potentially reduce the influence of outside political advocates in local government decision-making.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5192