Committee Tables Bill That Would Tighten Lobbying Limits for Former Public Employees

Senate Bill 222, a proposal to revise lobbying prohibitions for public employees, was the subject of extended debate in the House State Administration Committee and was ultimately tabled. The bill’s sponsor framed it as a revision to existing law; committee members raised constitutional concerns, questions about restricting employment, and deference to a voter‑approved measure.

Vice Chair Quorum urged voting no, arguing the current law reduces opportunities for conflicts of interest and helps prevent "trading favors," stating the bill would unwind protections they favor. Representative Schubert said public perception supports limitations on lobbyist influence — citing a poll he described — and planned to vote no. Representative Lee pointed to a 2006 voter approval of the existing law and said he had not seen a successful legal challenge in nearly 20 years, urging continued respect for voter intent. Representative Perry focused on potential constitutional constraints, asking whether the bill would improperly limit former legislators’ ability to work. Representative Running Wolf framed the measure as "who you know, not what you know" and argued it could advantage certain connections.

A roll call on the bill recorded nine yes votes and 10 no votes; following that count, a substitute motion was made and the committee voted to table SB 222. The chair announced the bill had been tabled and the committee moved on to other executive action items.

Status: Senate Bill 222 was tabled by the committee after recorded opposition and a substitute motion to table.