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HJR 1006 would bar state and local funds from paying outside lobbyists or dues
Summary
Representative McKenzie presented HJR 1006, a proposed constitutional amendment to ban use of state or local funds to contract with lobbyists or to pay dues to organizations that lobby; sponsor said agencies could still employ internal staff to advocate, and supporters framed the measure as a taxpayer-protection and transparency step.
Representative Bridal McKenzie presented House Joint Resolution 1006, a constitutional amendment that would prohibit state and local governmental bodies from using public funds to contract with lobbyists for lobbying purposes or to pay membership dues to organizations that lobby on their behalf.
McKenzie told the committee the measure is intended to protect taxpayers and restore public trust by preventing agencies from spending public funds on external lobbyists who are paid to advocate to the General Assembly or constitutional officers. She said governmental entities could continue to advocate through internal staff and that the amendment would not limit employees communicating directly with legislators.
During committee questions Representative Meeks asked why the proposal needed a constitutional amendment rather than a statute. McKenzie said she had considered a statutory approach but preferred a constitutional referral to give the issue broader public consideration and lasting effect. Representative Collins asked whether the amendment would bar staff who are employed by agencies from lobbying; McKenzie said it would not bar internal staff advocacy but would bar paid contracts and dues for external lobbying services.
McKenzie closed by asking the committee to give the proposal further consideration; no committee vote was recorded on the resolution during the hearing.
