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 municipal 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 any organization that compensates a lobbyist. However, individual members of these associations are still permitted to express their positions before the general court or its committees. Additionally, RSA 31:8-a is amended to clarify that the legislative body may raise and appropriate funds for membership dues, while ensuring that the associations do not engage in partisan political 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 ensure that the funds are kept physically and financially separate from state or local funds. The bill emphasizes that mere bookkeeping separation is insufficient, reinforcing the intent to prevent the misuse of public funds for lobbying purposes. The act will take effect upon its passage.

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