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Hearing on repealing Montana's —ive-year? two-year? revolving door— lobby ban draws divergent views on constitutionality and citizen initiative
Summary
Senate Bill 222 would repeal Montana—s two-year restriction on former public officials registering as paid lobbyists. Supporters argued the ban is unconstitutional and harms workers; opponents pointed to Initiative 153 (2006) and nationwide precedent for cooling-off periods and urged the committee to preserve the law.
Sen. Greg Hertz presented Senate Bill 222 to the House State Administration Committee, arguing the statute that restricts former public officials from registering as paid lobbyists within 24 months of service is unconstitutional and harms individuals seeking work after public service. "This law is unconstitutional," Sen. Hertz said during the hearing, and he cited federal court decisions discussing First Amendment protections and the need for disclosure and ethics enforcement instead of a blanket ban.
Several proponents, testifying on their own behalf, said the current law…
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