HF 2274 (LSB 6097YH (3) 89)

HOUSE FILE 2274

BY  JACOBSEN

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to capitol access for lobbyists and making penalties applicable.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  68B.37  Lobbyists —— restrictions on capitol access.
   A lobbyist, while registered or required to be registered under section 68B.36 to engage in lobbying activities before the general assembly, shall not be present on the floor of the capitol on which the house of representatives and senate is located unless the lobbyist is attending a committee meeting, a subcommittee meeting, or is present in a lounge specifically designated for lobbyists.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill prohibits a lobbyist, while registered or required to be registered to engage in lobbying activities before the general assembly, to be present on the floor of the capitol on which the house of representatives and senate is located unless the lobbyist is attending a committee meeting, a subcommittee meeting, or is present in a lounge specifically designated for lobbyists.
   Because violations of Code chapter 68B may be the basis of a complaint under the code of ethics of both the house of representatives and the senate, a lobbyist who violates the bill would also violate both codes of ethics. A lobbyist who violates either code of ethics is subject to discipline by the committee on ethics of the house of representatives or the senate. The codes of ethics permit the committees on ethics to reprimand a lobbyist or to impose another appropriate sanction, including suspension of lobbying privileges.
   Additionally, by operation of law pursuant to Code section 68B.34, a person who knowingly and intentionally violates the bill is guilty of a serious misdemeanor and may be reprimanded, suspended, or dismissed from the person’s position or otherwise sanctioned. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560.