Bill > SB528

This bill prohibits lobbyists from receiving any direct or indirect payment, including in-kind benefits, for engaging in lobbying activities on behalf of a "foreign adversary," which is defined to include specific countries like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba, as well as entities and individuals controlled by or organized under the laws of these countries. The bill also defines terms like "owned or operated in whole or in part" and "control" to clarify when an entity is considered under the influence of a foreign adversary, and it specifies who qualifies as a "foreign adversary client," including officials and their immediate family members. Violators face potential disgorgement of compensation and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, with the Attorney General empowered to investigate and bring legal actions. This legislation is intended to prevent foreign adversaries from influencing U.S. policy through compensated lobbying efforts and is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, with a fiscal note indicating an estimated expenditure of $137,000 to $138,000 annually for the Department of Justice to handle enforcement.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1311&inflect=2