The bill amends existing restrictions on the employment of constitutional officers after they leave office, specifically targeting former members of the General Assembly. It establishes a two-year prohibition on certain types of employment, including registering as a lobbyist and working as a director for educational cooperatives or area agencies on aging. The bill introduces new language that explicitly prohibits former members from entering into employment as a consultant or director with any firm or entity whose primary purpose is to lobby elected officials in Arkansas.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the new restriction on consulting or directorship does not apply to lobbying activities directed at federal officials or officials from other states, nor does it affect other national-level lobbying activities. This amendment aims to enhance the integrity of public office by preventing former officials from leveraging their previous positions for lobbying purposes immediately after leaving office.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB231 V2 - 3-7-2023 09:27 AM: 21-1-402(f)
SB 231: 21-1-402(f)