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HB 1662

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFITS-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jay Hoffman

House Bill 1662 aimed to ban lobbying for foreign entities linked to national security risks, protecting Arkansas legislation from foreign influence and ensuring transparency.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1662

Summary of House Bill 1662: Prohibition of Lobbying for Covered Foreign Entities

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1662
Introduced: March 4, 2025
Status: Died in House at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025
Purpose: To prohibit lobbying activities on behalf of designated foreign entities that may pose a risk to national security or public interest.

Main Intent

House Bill 1662 aimed to restrict lobbying efforts for "covered foreign entities," specifically targeting organizations and individuals associated with foreign governments deemed adversarial to the United States, particularly those from China and Russia. The bill sought to enhance transparency and safeguard the legislative process from foreign influence.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Covered Foreign Entity:

    • The bill defines a "covered foreign entity" as:
      • Any individual or organization listed on the U.S. Consolidated Screening List or Entity List.
      • Entities domiciled in the People's Republic of China or the Russian Federation.
      • Organizations under the influence or control of the aforementioned governments.
      • Subsidiaries of the above entities.

  2. Prohibition on Lobbying:

    • Individuals or organizations receiving monetary benefits for lobbying are prohibited from lobbying on behalf of a covered foreign entity.

  3. Penalties for Violations:

    • First Offense: Fine ranging from $50 to $3,500.
    • Second Offense: Classified as an unclassified misdemeanor, with penalties including:
      • Up to 6 months imprisonment.
      • A fine of $5,000.
    • Third or Subsequent Offense: Classified as an unclassified felony, with penalties including:
      • Up to 1 year imprisonment.
      • A fine of $10,000.

Impact

The bill was designed to impact lobbyists, organizations, and foreign entities attempting to influence Arkansas legislation. By prohibiting lobbying for covered foreign entities, the bill aimed to protect the integrity of the state's legislative process from foreign interference.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 4, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 19, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill engrossed.
  • April 1, 2025: Bill passed in the House and sent to the Senate.
  • April 9, 2025: Returned by the Senate with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 16, 2025: Bill failed to pass after multiple readings and motions.
  • May 5, 2025: Died in the House at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1662 sought to establish a framework for prohibiting lobbying activities on behalf of foreign entities that could undermine national interests. Despite its introduction and support, the bill ultimately did not progress through the legislative process and was not enacted.

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

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