AR SB214

State government moneys are prohibited from being used to employ a lobbyist, with an exception allowing state institutions to use privately donated funds for this purpose.

"Lobbying" is defined as communicating directly or soliciting others to communicate with public servants to influence legislative or administrative action.

Testimony before or communication with the General Assembly, its committees, or the Legislative Council for purposes of providing legal advice or administrative expertise on institutional duties is excluded from the lobbying definition.

A "lobbyist" is defined as a person who receives income/reimbursement of $400 or more per calendar quarter for lobbying; expends $400 or more per quarter for lobbying expenses; or expends $400 or more per quarter for soliciting others to communicate with public servants unless the communication is filed with the Secretary of State or published in news media.

The act becomes effective on January 1, 2016.