Senator Rush urges closing federal‑state loophole and adding anti‑discrimination cooling‑off provisions for lobbyists
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Summary
Senator Rush asked the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to report favorably on bills that would expand the scope of disqualifying corruption convictions for lobbyists and add a cooling‑off period for discriminatory practices by lobbying organizations.
Senator Rush testified in favor of S.2211 and S.2209, bills aimed at strengthening Massachusetts lobbying law.
S.2211 would clarify that the existing 10‑year disqualification for individuals convicted of political corruption applies to equivalent federal convictions as well as state convictions. Rush said the current statute, as interpreted by the Supreme Judicial Court, allows individuals convicted under federal law to register and work as lobbyists despite identical federal corruption offenses. “We have an opportunity with this legislation to close this gaping loophole in our lobbying law that protects our state government,” he said.
S.2209 would expand accountability for lobbying organizations by adding a four‑year cooling‑off period for any person or entity that discriminates against members based on protected characteristics. Rush framed it as aligning lobbying practice with Massachusetts’ anti‑discrimination law.
Why it matters: Proponents argued the bills would protect the legislative process from corruption and discrimination and preserve public trust. The sponsor requested favorable reports; the hearing record contains no committee votes on these measures.
Additional bill: Rush also supported S.2666 to establish Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day; that proposal is covered in a separate article.
