Bill > S1482

This bill, titled the Lobbyist and State Contractor Political Responsibility Act of 2013, aims to prevent "pay-to-play" practices by restricting political contributions and expenditures by certain individuals and entities involved with state government. Specifically, it prohibits legislative or executive agents (individuals who lobby or represent government entities) from making, soliciting, or coordinating contributions to candidates or political committees for state-wide offices or legislative positions. It also prevents them from making independent expenditures or electioneering communications that support or oppose such candidates. Furthermore, the bill introduces new regulations for state contractors (individuals or entities with contracts with the state, state agencies, or quasi-public agencies, which are entities established for public purposes like the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) and prospective state contractors (those bidding on state contracts). These individuals and entities, along with their principals (key individuals like board members, senior executives, or those with significant ownership or managerial responsibilities, and their immediate family or associated political committees), are prohibited from making or soliciting political contributions or making independent expenditures during the period from bid solicitation to contract termination. Violations can result in contract voidance, a one-year ban on future state contracts, imprisonment, or fines. The bill also requires state agencies and quasi-public agencies to report lists of contractors and prospective contractors to the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, which will then compile and publish a master list to help campaigns avoid soliciting prohibited contributions.