House adopts conference report on bill limiting state use of contract lobbyists after heated debate

The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 28 adopted a conference committee report and passed first substitute Senate Bill 187, a measure that restricts state departments and other entities from using appropriated funds to pay contract lobbyists.

Supporters said the bill sends a clear message that state agencies should not hire outside lobbyists. "I think it's imperative that we tell the agencies we don't want them to go out and hire lobbyists," Representative Brad Johnson said in floor debate.

Opponents described the substitute as broadly written and warned it could prevent nonprofit organizations, universities and entities that receive appropriated funds from using contract consultants to seek funding or provide technical assistance. "I think this bill doesn't solve the problem we intended to solve," Representative Herndt told colleagues, citing loopholes and a lack of a clear employment test that could encompass routine grant-writing consultants.

Other members raised practical questions about whether the measure would cover federal grant lobbying, university grant writers or governor's staff who engage in advocacy. Representative Greg Curtis said definitions in the substitute are "very, very broad and very far reaching," noting that the bill defines "agency" expansively to include boards, commissions and other entities.

Proponents acknowledged limits in the language but urged passage to begin curbing what they called inappropriate use of state funds for lobbying. "This is our opportunity to take advantage of the situation and send the correct message," Representative Smell said during debate.

The House adopted the conference committee report and then gave final passage to first substitute Senate Bill 187 by a recorded vote of 42 yes and 29 no. The bill will be returned to the Senate for further consideration and any required enrollment steps.