MS HB503

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

Makes public employees who authorize expenditures for contract lobbying services subject to termination.

Exempts in-house lobbyists employed directly by state agencies or community colleges from the prohibition, provided they comply with lobbying reporting and disclosure requirements.

Adds definitions to lobbying law including "state agency," "community or junior college," "public funds," and "contract lobbying" to the Mississippi Code.

Removes contracts for legislative advocacy services from oversight by the Public Procurement Review Board, effective July 1, 2020.