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Supervisors amend county political-activity policy to clarify employee legislative contacts
Summary
The Cochise County Board approved amendments to the county human resources political-activity policy May 19, clarifying that employees acting in an official capacity should route legislative requests through the chain of command while preserving employees' First Amendment rights for private speech.
On May 19, 2026, Cochise County supervisors approved revisions to the county's political-activity policy aimed at clarifying how employees should engage with legislative bodies in their official capacities.
Jennifer Graham, representing staff who revised the policy, told the board that amendments made in August 2025 raised concerns that language could infringe on employees' First Amendment rights. The current revisions, she said, "will ensure the county is protected as well as employees' First Amendment rights." The changes instruct that employees should work through their chain of command and county leadership for legislative or lobbying requests that touch on their official duties, but do not prevent employees from speaking as private citizens.
Supervisors asked for examples of the kinds of contacts now covered; staff said the previous language barred engagement with legislative bodies outside the knowledge of the board, and the new wording clarifies the distinction between official-capacity actions and private speech. The board approved the amendments by voice vote.
The county attorney's office and human resources collaborated on the updates, and staff said exceptions remain for reports of fraud, criminal activity or harassment that may require immediate escalation.
