CT HB05547

Expands the prohibition on lobbyist contributions during legislative sessions to include candidates for municipal office and judge of probate, in addition to the existing ban covering General Assembly and statewide office candidates

Prohibits lobbyists and lobbyist-controlled political committees from making, offering, or soliciting contributions to covered candidates and their associated political committees during regular sessions, special sessions between odd-year adjournment and even-year convening, and veto override sessions

Adds definitions for "municipal office" (elective offices where only single town, city, borough, or political subdivision voters may vote, excluding state legislators) and "municipal officer" to clarify the expanded scope

Removes a provision that previously allowed exploratory committees for non-legislative offices to handle lobbyist contributions differently, simplifying surplus distribution rules

Takes effect January 1, 2027, amending sections 9-610(e) and 9-608(f) of the general statutes