MN HF1277

Prohibits political subdivisions from spending public money to directly or indirectly influence pending legislation before the Minnesota legislature, effective January 1, 2022.

Allows officers and employees of political subdivisions to provide information to legislators or appear before legislative committees when requested, and to advocate for or against legislation in their official capacity.

Permits political subdivisions to pay membership fees and dues to local government associations only if the associations do not lobby or contribute money or services to political campaigns or endorse candidates.

Authorizes taxpayers or residents to seek injunctions in district court to prevent violations and allows prevailing plaintiffs to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs from the political subdivision.

Repeals Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 6.76, which previously required political subdivisions to report lobbying expenditures to the state auditor.