Senate Bill 2770 Summary

• Creates the "State Agency Lobbying Reform Act of 2020" to restrict state agencies from using public funds for lobbying activities to influence the Legislature.

• Prohibits state agencies from contracting with lobbyists and paying dues to organizations that engage in lobbying; only agency directors and deputy directors may conduct lobbying activities.

• Requires state agencies that lobby to file quarterly statements with the Secretary of State disclosing the names and salaries of officials who lobbied, time spent, specific legislation targeted, and itemized expenditures.

• Establishes civil penalties for state agency officials who expend public funds in violation of the law, equivalent to the amount of funds expended, and authorizes sanctions prohibiting agencies from lobbying for up to two years.

• Takes effect July 1, 2020.