Proposal would bar lobbying for listed foreign adversaries

A person could not lobby on behalf of a listed foreign adversary, its political party, or a covered client. The listed adversaries include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela's Maduro regime, and Syria, plus specified related governments, organizations, and people. Covered clients include certain party and government officials, their immediate family members, and entities formed by or for their benefit. The text also bars receiving or agreeing to receive direct or indirect payment for lobbying on behalf of a covered client, including payment in goods or services. If enacted, the ban would take effect after the act is published in the statute book.

The attorney general would have to sue people who violate the proposed ban and collect the state's legal fees and costs. These enforcement rules would apply to a person who violates the proposed ban. A civil penalty may be imposed, up to $25,000 for a first violation, $100,000 for a second, and $150,000 for a third or later violation. Collected penalties would go to the state general fund. If enacted, the enforcement rules would take effect after the act is published in the statute book.