HB 391: Limiting Lobbying by Government Employees

This bill did not receive a House or Senate vote.

State employees hired to administer the laws established by the legislature often lobby Senators and Representatives to give them more tax revenue, increase their power, or expand the scope of their authority. This practice would begin to end under House Bill 391, sponsored by Representative Val Peterson.

The bill focuses only on state employees within the executive branch, when acting within the scope of the individual’s employment. HB 391 allows such individuals to request legislation to be sponsored, testify before committee, or answer questions asked by a legislator—but that’s all. The bill prohibits state entities from taking public stances on bills being considered by the legislation.

These employees are hired—and paid by taxpayers—to administer the laws, not influence them. Too often, at present, these individuals push an agenda on Capitol hill and try to kill legislation that might alter their practice, reduce their authority, or require them to do something they desire not to. This practice should end, and this bill is a good step in the right direction.