House Government Operations committee reports three bills to limit post‑service lobbying

The House Committee on Government Operations on an unspecified date reported three related bills aimed at restricting state officials’ ability to lobby after leaving office and restricting elected officials from lobbying other governments. Representative Harris moved to report each bill with recommendation; the clerk recorded three ayes and no nays on each motion, and the committee reported House Bills 4062, 4063 and 4064 with recommendation.

House Bill 4062, sponsored by Representative Mark Tisdale, would create a two‑year cooling‑off period that prohibits lawmakers from becoming lobbyists for two years after their term ends. "House Bill 4062 is relatively simple. It slows the revolving door by prohibiting lawmakers from becoming lobbyists for 2 years after their term ends," Tisdale said. He told the committee the measure applies to members of both the House and Senate and described it as a way to protect elected officials’ focus and credibility while in office.

Representative Martin described his bill as similar in intent but targeted to the executive branch. "My bill deals with the executive branch and department heads," Martin said, adding that the measure is intended to keep appointed department heads focused on state work rather than outside lobbying immediately after leaving office. Representative Nyer said House Bill 4064 would prevent current members of the legislature or executive branch from lobbying on behalf of other states or other government agencies while holding office, arguing that "if you're busy lobbying in another state, you're not focusing on the people that elected you."

Committee members raised implementation and policy questions during discussion. Representative VanderWaal asked why the sponsors chose two years; Tisdale said two years provides separation between official actions and subsequent employment that could create an appearance of impropriety. Representative Fitzgerald noted comparisons to other states, citing a map she reviewed that showed roughly 26 states with a one‑year cooling‑off period, about 11 with two years, and Florida with a six‑year period. Members also discussed the role of non‑lobbying consultants and whether consulting agreements could create a gray area around registration requirements. Sponsors said the bills rely on the state's statutory definition of lobbying for registration thresholds and acknowledged a risk that novel consulting arrangements could require further legal clarification.

Two individuals were noted on testimony cards but did not speak: Aaron Shore of the Michigan Department of State and Logan Vorce of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters were listed as "not wanting to speak in support of all 3 bills." After the votes the committee adjourned.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 4062 — reported with recommendation; roll call recorded 3 ayes, 0 nays (two members recorded as passing). House Bill 4063 — reported with recommendation; roll call recorded 3 ayes, 0 nays (two members recorded as passing). House Bill 4064 — reported with recommendation; roll call recorded 3 ayes, 0 nays (two members recorded as passing).