Senate Bill No. [number], introduced by G. Hertz, aims to prohibit the use of public funds for lobbying activities by political subdivisions, judicial officers, and school districts in Montana. The bill defines "political subdivision" to include school districts and local government units, and it explicitly states that these entities cannot spend public funds to hire lobbyists or pay organizations that lobby on their behalf. However, it allows for reasonable allowances for travel and expenses incurred by public officers or judicial officers when lobbying on behalf of their political subdivisions. The bill also provides mechanisms for taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief if these prohibitions are violated.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws, specifically Sections 2-2-121 and 7-1-111 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), to reinforce these prohibitions and clarify the powers denied to local government units regarding the expenditure of funds. Notably, it includes a new provision that explicitly prohibits local government units from expending funds in violation of the new lobbying restrictions. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining fairness in the policymaking process and upholding the constitutional rights of individuals to not have their resources used for lobbying activities they do not support.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-2-121, 7-1-111
SB0254_1(1): 2-2-121, 7-1-111
SB0254_1(2): 2-2-121, 7-1-111
SB0254_1(3): 2-2-121, 7-1-111
SB0254_1(4): 2-2-121, 7-1-111
SB0254_1: 2-2-121, 7-1-111