This bill prohibits the use of federal, state, or local public funds for lobbying activities, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer money. It repeals and reenacts RSA 15:5, defining "public funds" as any grant or appropriation from various governmental entities. The bill explicitly states that no public funds can be used to lobby, influence legislation, or engage in political activities. It requires any recipient of public funds who wishes to engage in lobbying to segregate those funds from other financial resources, ensuring a clear distinction. Additionally, it allows taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief against entities that violate this prohibition, and those who knowingly authorize such spending may face criminal penalties, including a Class A misdemeanor and personal liability for three times the amount wrongfully spent.

The bill also establishes that violations can lead to the discharge of employees involved and clarifies that it does not restrict entities from providing non-advocacy information. The act will apply to any expenditure of public funds made on or after its effective date of January 1, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it may affect judicial and correctional systems due to the potential for increased civil actions and associated costs. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that public funds are not misused for lobbying purposes, thereby promoting ethical governance.