Bill > SB2264

This bill amends Tennessee law to clarify who is considered an "employer of a lobbyist" for the purposes of lobbying regulations. Previously, certain local government entities like school boards, municipal utilities, and utility districts were explicitly *not* considered employers of lobbyists if they hired contractors or representatives for lobbying. This bill removes that exemption for these specific local entities, meaning they will now be treated as employers of lobbyists if they hire someone to lobby on their behalf. The bill also makes a related change to state government entities, ensuring that if a state department, agency, or entity hires a contractor, subcontractor, or representative to lobby, it is not considered an employer of a lobbyist. The term "lobbyist" generally refers to someone who attempts to influence legislation or administrative actions on behalf of another person or entity. This change aims to broaden the scope of lobbying regulations to include more local government entities.