Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to prohibit the use of public funds for lobbying activities by political subdivisions, judicial officers, and school districts in Montana. The bill introduces a new section titled "Restriction on Use of Public Funds for Lobbying by Political Subdivisions Act," which defines "political subdivision" and outlines specific prohibitions against spending public funds for hiring lobbyists or paying organizations that lobby on behalf of political subdivisions. However, it allows for reasonable allowances for travel and expenses incurred by public officers or judicial officers when lobbying on behalf of their respective entities. Additionally, the bill provides mechanisms for taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief if these prohibitions are violated.

The bill also amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the rules of conduct for public officers and employees regarding lobbying activities. Notably, it deletes language that previously allowed public officers to engage in lobbying on behalf of organizations other than local government associations while performing their official duties. Instead, it inserts provisions that explicitly permit public and judicial officers to lobby on behalf of their political subdivisions, provided they adhere to the specified allowances for expenses. Furthermore, the bill includes a new prohibition against expending funds in violation of the outlined restrictions, reinforcing the intent to maintain the integrity of public resources in the lobbying process.

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: 2-2-121, 7-1-111