MS HB75

Prohibits state agencies and community or junior colleges from expending public funds to pay contract lobbyists, making any such contracts void and unenforceable.

Makes public employees who authorize expenditures for contract lobbying subject to termination, but exempts employees directed by supervisors or governing boards to lobby as part of their official duties.

Adds new definitions to lobbying law including "state agency," "community or junior college," "public funds," and "contract lobbying" (lobbying by independent contractors or contract workers).

Removes contracts for legislative advocacy services from Personal Service Contract Review Board oversight, establishing separate regulation for lobbying-related contracts.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.