Relating to lobbying activities by former executive branch employees, and making penalties applicable

Current law restricts the ability of former state officials and employees from lobbying after termination of service or employment. With regard to state employees, the extent of the restriction depends upon the amount of discretion and authority the former employee held. The former executive or administrative head or deputy executive or administrative head of an agency of state government is prohibited from lobbying for two years after termination of employment. The former head of a major subunit of a department or independent state agency or a full-time employee of an office of a statewide elected official whose position involved substantial exercise of administrative discretion or the expenditure of public funds is prohibited from lobbying for two years before the agency in which the person was employed or before state agencies or officials or employees with whom the person had substantial and regular contact as part of the person’s former duties. State employees with less discretion and authority are prohibited from lobbying for two years in relation to any particular case, proceeding, or application with respect to which the person was directly concerned and personally participated as part of the person’s employment. This bill provides that a former employee of the executive branch of state government is prohibited from lobbying for two years after termination of employment regardless of the amount of discretion or authority the former employee had. The prohibition does not apply to a person who, within two years of leaving employment with the state, is elected to, appointed to, or employed by another office of the state, an office of a political subdivision of the state, or the federal government and appears or communicates on behalf or as part of the duties of that office or employment.34, a person who knowingly and intentionally violates a provision of the bill is guilty of a serious misdemeanor and may be reprimanded, suspended, or dismissed from the person’s position or otherwise sanctioned. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560.