House Bill 1846 - Summary

• Establishes new definition of "paid political consultant" and prohibits state representatives and senators from accepting compensation as paid political consultants for other elected officials or campaign committees

• Prohibits governors from offering state appointments to legislators in exchange for votes, and prohibits legislators from accepting such offers; both violations are criminal offenses (bribery and acceding to corruption)

• Creates one-year cooling-off period preventing members of the general assembly from serving as lobbyists for 365 days after conclusion of their legislative session, and prevents governor from appointing former legislators to state positions until 365 days after their session ends

• Requires disclosure of campaign contributions when governor and legislative leaders make state appointments; limits cumulative lobbyist expenditures on public officials to $100, and establishes penalties including class D felony for knowingly falsifying lobbyist reports

• Establishes new campaign contribution limits by office level ranging from $500 for state representatives to $2,000 for statewide offices, with contribution limits adjusted biennially for inflation; prohibits contributions from individuals with pending applications for state grants, loans, contracts, or permits