Proposal would bar Montana agencies from paying for lobbying

Local governments and state agencies would be barred from certain payments for lobbying. The restrictions would cover local governments and state agencies. They would apply to dues or similar payments to any person or group that lobbies on proposed laws or rules, and to compensation for an individual lobbying in any capacity, whether or not registered as a lobbyist. Payments to public employees and contractors for other services would still be allowed. People, including public employees, could still lobby using their own time, money, and other resources. An official or employee who caused a prohibited payment would be personally liable for it.

The bill would repeal a section about local government lobbying contracts. The named section concerns disclosure of local government lobbying contracts and an exemption for local government associations; the bill text does not give its detailed rules.