Bill would bar lobbying work for listed governments and certain connected clients

If approved, lobbyists could not register for certain connected clients or contract to represent listed governments, their agencies, or certain entities they own or control. The listed governments include China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela’s Maduro regime, along with their agencies and some entities they own or control. Clients include current or former government and party officials, executives or officers, businesses formed for those people, and close family members. The ban would take effect July 1, 2026.

If approved, a court could order a civil penalty for knowingly or intentionally breaking the ban. It would apply to people who register for the covered clients or sign the contracts barred by the bill. If ordered, the penalty would equal the money the person received for the prohibited registration or contract. This penalty provision would take effect July 1, 2026.