Relating to lobbying activities by political subdivisions

This bill relates to the lobbying activities of political subdivisions. The bill defines “political subdivision” as a county, city, township, community college, area education agency, or school district, and “lobbying” as direct action to encourage the passage, defeat, approval, veto, or modification of legislation, a rule, or an executive order that is being considered by the general assembly, a state agency, or a statewide elected official. The bill provides that a political subdivision that contracts with or otherwise compensates a person to lobby on behalf of the political subdivision shall do so in a reasonable manner, including by using a written request for proposal, selecting a lobbyist on the basis of competence and qualification for the services required, and paying fair and reasonable compensation. The duration of a contract for lobbying services shall not exceed five years, and a renewal or new contract for lobbying services also requires the use of a written request for proposal. The bill provides that if a political subdivision contracts with or otherwise compensates a person to lobby on behalf of the political subdivision in exchange for compensation, or if any employee, officer, or elected or appointed official of the political subdivision engages in more than hours of lobbying on behalf of the political subdivision in a calendar month, the political subdivision is subject to certain reporting requirements.4 (notice of public meetings). The bill provides that the Iowa state association of counties, the Iowa league of cities, and the Iowa association of school boards, and any other organization that lobbies on behalf of any category or group of political subdivisions, shall, not later than two weeks after the end of the fiscal year, publish on the organization’s internet site certain specified information regarding each bill and amendment on which the organization registered a position.7.