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HJR 1006

AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION PROVIDING THAT A GOVERNMENTAL BODY SHALL NOT USE STATE OR LOCAL FUNDS TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH A LOBBYIST FOR LOBBYING PURPOSES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brit McKenzie

Proposes a constitutional ban on using state/local funds to hire external lobbyists or pay lobbying dues; allows in-house lobbying by public employees; sets 2027 effective date.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 1006

HJR 1006 — Summary

HJR 1006 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment in Arkansas to prohibit government bodies from using state or local funds to contract with a lobbyist for lobbying purposes. Introduced January 13, 2025, the measure was withdrawn by the author on April 3, 2025. If adopted by voters, the amendment would become part of the Arkansas Constitution on and after January 1, 2027.

Purpose and intent

  • To restrict how governmental bodies spend public money on lobbying activities.
  • Specifically targets contracts with outside lobbyists, while allowing internal lobbying by government employees.

Key provisions

  • Section 32 adds a new constitutional provision to Article 19:
    • (a) A governmental body may not use state or local funds to enter into a contract with a lobbyist for lobbying on behalf of the governmental body.
    • (b) It also prohibits using funds to pay membership dues to lobbying organizations or to employ one or more lobbyists, if funds are used to cover those costs.
    • (c) The prohibition does not prevent employing individuals to engage in lobbying on behalf of the governmental body, including individuals who are registered as lobbyists (i.e., employees can lobby; contracted lobbyists cannot be paid with public funds).
  • Definitions (Section 1, (d)) establish terms for:
    • “Lobbying,” “Lobbyist,” and “Legislative/Administrative action.”
    • “Governmental body,” “Public employee/appointee,” and “State or local funds.”
    • “Income,” “Public servant,” and other related terms to clarify who is covered.
  • Section 2 provides an effective date: January 1, 2027.
  • Section 3 sets ballot-related details for submission to voters, including the title and popular name.

Who would be affected

  • Governmental bodies at the state, county, city, school district, and other political subdivision levels.
  • Those who currently hire external lobbyists or pay dues to lobbying organizations using public funds.
  • Internal government employees who lobby on behalf of their agency would still be allowed (i.e., employment of lobbyists as staff is permitted).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Constitutional amendment would be submitted to voters at the next general election.
  • Effective date is 2027, contingent on voter approval.
  • Status: Withdrawn by the author (as of April 3, 2025); no further legislative action indicated in the provided record.

Potential impact (high-level)

  • Shifts funding and staffing models for lobbying within government bodies.
  • Possible reduction in external lobbying contracts and dues; potential expansion of in-house lobbying staff.
  • Increased focus on transparency around lobbying activities due to defined thresholds and public funding limitations.

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

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