Bill > HB2073

This bill clarifies who is considered an "employer of a lobbyist" under Tennessee law, specifically concerning entities that hire external individuals or companies to advocate on their behalf. Previously, certain government entities like school boards, municipal utilities, utility districts, and county or municipal departments, agencies, or entities were explicitly excluded from being considered employers of lobbyists even if they hired contractors or representatives for lobbying purposes. This bill amends the law by removing that exclusion for these specific local government entities, meaning they will now be treated as employers of lobbyists if they hire someone to lobby. The bill also makes a related change to state government entities, ensuring that if a state department, agency, or entity employs a contractor, subcontractor, or representative for lobbying, it is not considered an employer of a lobbyist for the purposes of this law. The term "lobbying" generally refers to the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in a government, legislature, or other public body.