Committee reports bill barring current state officials from lobbying other states or governments

The House Committee on Government Operations reported House Bill 4064 with recommendation after Representative Nyer, the sponsor, described the bill as a prohibition on current members of the legislature or the executive branch lobbying for other states or other government agencies.

Representative Nyer said the bill would prevent officials from “lobbying in another state” or advocating for causes outside their constituency while holding state office, arguing that doing so would keep officials from focusing on the people who elected them. He told the committee the bill’s main purpose is to make clear that an official cannot hold office and be a registered lobbyist for another government at the same time.

Representative McFaul and other members asked whether existing law already made such conduct illegal; sponsors responded that the law is not clear enough and that the bill would make the restriction explicit. Committee members also discussed enforcement questions and the line between consulting and lobbying.

On a motion by Representative Harris to report House Bill 4064 with recommendation, the clerk called the roll. The committee recorded 3 yeas and 0 nays with two passes; the motion prevailed and House Bill 4064 was reported with recommendation.

The measure now proceeds in the House process; the committee did not record any committee amendments or final floor actions.