HB1973
To Provide That A Governmental Body Shall Not Use State Or Local Funds To Enter Into A Contract With A Lobbyist For The Purpose Of Lobbying On Behalf Of The Governmental Body.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1973 prohibits governmental bodies in Arkansas from using state or local funds to contract with external lobbyists to advocate on their behalf. The bill also prevents these entities from using public funds to pay membership dues to organizations that employ lobbyists to advocate for those governmental bodies. However, the legislation includes an exception that allows government entities to directly employ individuals, including those registered as lobbyists, to perform advocacy work on their behalf. The primary intent of the bill is to limit the outsourcing of lobbying activities by government agencies to private entities or third-party associations.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are taxpayers and citizens who prefer that government entities manage their own legislative advocacy internally rather than contracting with private lobbying firms or paying dues to external organizations for such services. Supporters argue this fosters greater government transparency and prevents the use of public funds for external political influence.
Who Might Suffer?
The entities most negatively impacted would be external lobbying firms that currently hold contracts with Arkansas governmental bodies, as well as membership-based associations or organizations that receive dues from government entities for the purpose of legislative advocacy. These organizations may experience a loss of revenue or require restructuring of their funding models to comply with the new prohibition.
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