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SF 4

A bill for an act relating to lobbying activities of former or future executive or administrative heads of licensing boards, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Lofgren

SF 4 restricts former licensing board heads from lobbying for two years post-tenure, enhancing ethics and preventing conflicts of interest in government.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
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Bill Summary · SF 4

Summary of SF 4: Lobbying Restrictions for Licensing Board Heads

Bill Number: SF 4
Introduced: January 13, 2025
Status: Subcommittee recommends passage
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Boards, Commissions, Ethics in Government, Lobbying, Misdemeanors, Professional Licensure, Public Officers

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 4 is to establish restrictions on lobbying activities for individuals who have served as executive or administrative heads of licensing boards. The bill aims to enhance ethical standards in government by preventing potential conflicts of interest that may arise when former officials engage in lobbying shortly after their tenure.

Key Provisions

  1. Lobbying Restrictions:

    • Individuals who have served as executive or administrative heads of licensing boards are prohibited from becoming lobbyists for two years following the termination of their service.
    • Conversely, individuals who have previously worked as lobbyists are barred from serving as executive or administrative heads of licensing boards for two years after they cease lobbying activities.

  2. Penalties for Violations:

    • A person who knowingly and intentionally violates these provisions will be committing a serious misdemeanor.

  3. Current Law Context:

    • The bill aligns with existing laws that restrict other state officials, including statewide elected officials and members of the general assembly, from lobbying for two years after leaving their positions.

  4. Exemptions:

    • The bill does not prevent an executive or administrative head of a licensing board from lobbying in their capacity as the board's executive director.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • This legislation will primarily impact individuals who serve or have served as executive or administrative heads of licensing boards, as well as those who engage in lobbying activities.
    • Licensing boards, as defined in Code section 272C.1, will also be affected by these new restrictions.

  • Ethical Standards:

    • By imposing these restrictions, the bill seeks to promote transparency and integrity within the government and its associated boards, thereby fostering public trust.

Procedural Aspects

  • Subcommittee Actions:
    • The bill was introduced and referred to the State Government committee on January 13, 2025.
    • A subcommittee consisting of members Alons, Campbell, and Staed met on January 16, 2025, and subsequently recommended the bill for passage on January 23, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of SF 4, highlighting its intent to regulate lobbying activities among former licensing board heads and the associated penalties for non-compliance. The bill reflects ongoing efforts to uphold ethical governance standards within state agencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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