This bill amends existing laws to prohibit the use of certain local funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, it modifies RSA 31:8 to allow towns and cities to pay annual membership dues to various associations, increasing the maximum amount from $20 to $75. It also stipulates that no part of these dues can be used to pay a lobbyist or an organization that compensates lobbyists, although individual members are still permitted to express their positions before the general court. Additionally, RSA 31:8-a is amended to clarify that the legislative body may raise and appropriate funds for membership dues, while ensuring that these funds are not used for lobbying activities.

Furthermore, the bill revises RSA 15:5 to expand the prohibition on using federal, state, or local funds for lobbying or political activities. It requires that any recipient of such funds who wishes to engage in these activities must do so without using state or local funds, ensuring that any other funds used are kept separate from public funds. The bill emphasizes that mere bookkeeping separation is insufficient, and it will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17-D:3, 98-F:1
As Amended by the House: 31:8, 31:8-a, 15:5