HF 2221 (LSB 6125YH (2) 83)

HOUSE FILE 2221

BY  UPMEYER

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the use of public funds for certain lobbying purposes and making penalties applicable.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 68B.8, Code 2009, is amended to read as follows:
   68B.8  Lobbying activities by state agencies.

   A state agency of the executive branch of state government shall not use or permit the use of its public funds for a any of the following purposes: 

   1.  A paid advertisement or public service announcement thirty days prior to or during a legislative session for the purpose of encouraging the passage, defeat, approval, or modification of a bill that is being considered, or was considered during the previous legislative session, by the general assembly.
   2.  For membership in or sponsorship of an association, organization, or group that is registered to lobby before the office of the governor or a state agency or the general assembly.
EXPLANATION
   This bill relates to the use of public funds for certain lobbying purposes.
   The bill prohibits a state agency from using or permitting the use of public funds for membership in or sponsorship of an association, organization, or group that is registered to lobby before the office of the governor or a state agency or the general assembly.
   A person who knowingly and intentionally violates the bill is guilty of a simple misdemeanor and may be sanctioned.