WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1973

$DHS-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Tony McCombie

HB 1973 aimed to stop Arkansas governmental bodies from using public funds to hire lobbyists, promoting transparency and redirecting resources to public services.

Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1973

Summary of House Bill 1973

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1973
  • Title: To Provide That a Governmental Body Shall Not Use State or Local Funds to Enter Into a Contract with a Lobbyist for the Purpose of Lobbying on Behalf of the Governmental Body.
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
  • Introduced: April 02, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1973 was introduced with the intent to prohibit governmental bodies in Arkansas from using state or local funds to contract with lobbyists for lobbying activities on their behalf. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, ensuring that taxpayer money is not utilized to influence legislative or governmental processes through lobbying.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following key provisions:

  1. Prohibition on Contracting with Lobbyists:

    • Governmental bodies are explicitly prohibited from using state or local funds to enter into contracts with lobbyists for lobbying purposes.

  2. Membership Dues:

    • The prohibition extends to the payment of membership dues to organizations that engage in lobbying on behalf of governmental bodies. This includes any payments made to lobbyists or organizations that employ lobbyists.

  3. Exceptions:

    • The bill does not prevent governmental bodies from employing individuals to lobby on their behalf, provided that these individuals are not contracted using state or local funds.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • The legislation would impact all governmental bodies in Arkansas, including state agencies, local governments, and other public entities that may engage in lobbying activities.

  • Financial Implications:

    • By restricting the use of public funds for lobbying, the bill seeks to redirect financial resources towards other public services and initiatives, potentially increasing public trust in government spending.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 02, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 03, 2025: The bill was read for the first time, rules were suspended, and it was read a second time before being referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs - House.
  • May 05, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress further in the legislative process.

Conclusion

While HB 1973 aimed to establish clear restrictions on the use of public funds for lobbying, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The proposed changes reflect ongoing discussions about the role of lobbying in government and the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.

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

Sign in to ask a question.