HF1145

Purpose

This bill aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest by restricting former lawmakers from influencing policy through lobbying. It would prohibit legislators from acting as lobbyists or registering as lobbyists for two years after their legislative service ends.

Main Provisions

• Prohibition period: A member of the legislature may not act as a lobbyist or register as a lobbyist for two years following the end of their legislative service.
• Scope: Applies to members of the legislature.
• Legal framework: The restrictions would be codified in Minnesota Statutes chapter 10A.
• Penalty provision: If a violation occurs, a civil penalty may be imposed by the designated board.

Enforcement and Penalties

• Penalty authority: The board may impose a civil penalty for violations.
• Penalty amount: The civil penalty is the lesser of $25,000 or the amount the member earned as a lobbyist in violation of this section.
• Nature of penalty: Civil, not criminal.

Significance and Potential Impact

• Creates a post-office lobbying ban for elected lawmakers.
• Introduces a monetary consequence for violations to deter post-service lobbying.
• Aligns existing lobbying regulations with a stronger ethics framework by extending the prohibition period.

Relevant Terms

• lobbying
• lobbyist
• two years
• end of legislative service
• register as a lobbyist
• civil penalty
• board
• Minnesota Statutes chapter 10A