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.

House Bill 1973 (HB 1973) proposes to prohibit governmental bodies in Arkansas from using state or local funds to enter into contracts with external lobbyists. This means that state and local taxpayer money could not be used to pay individuals or firms whose primary purpose is to lobby on behalf of a government entity. The bill also extends this prohibition to using state or local funds to pay membership dues to organizations that lobby on behalf of governmental bodies. However, it clarifies that governmental bodies are still permitted to employ their own staff, including registered lobbyists, to conduct lobbying activities.