Committee approves amendment and recommends HB 314-FN 'ought to pass' after debate over public lobbying funds

The Legislative Administration Committee voted to adopt a complete replacement amendment to House Bill 314‑FN that would restrict the use of federal, state and local public funds for lobbying activities and require municipalities that choose to pay for lobbying to notify voters. The amendment (2025-3026H) passed on a roll call and the committee then voted 7–4 to recommend House Bill 314‑FN 'ought to pass as amended.'

Representative Turcotte, who sponsored the replacement amendment, told the committee the measure is aimed at transparency and local determination. "Nothing in the section shall restrict public officials or public employees from testifying before legislature unless the individual testifying is required to register as a lobbyist," Turcotte said while explaining that the provision is intended to make clear the restrictions apply only to registered lobbyists and not to ordinary municipal employees or officials testifying in their official capacity.

The amendment adds a definition of "public funds," prohibits using those funds for lobbying except under a local ballot question, and requires municipalities that authorize public funds for lobbying to…