Bill description: HB 636 would prohibit all state agencies and local political subdivisions from paying for contract lobbyists.

Rating: +2

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt? 


Many public agencies spend taxpayer dollars to hire contract lobbyists to influence the passage of legislation or the actions of the governor. HB 636 would prohibit all state and local governmental entities (such as school districts, executive agencies, cities, and counties) from using public money to pay for contract lobbyists. Prohibiting the expenditure of public monies on these lobbyists would save taxpayers’ money.

(+1)

Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency or accountability? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency or accountability? 


When government entities lobby state policymakers and try to influence the passage of legislation or other executive actions, public entities can put their own interests above those of Idaho’s citizens and spend tax dollars on work that taxpayers do not expect their dollars to go toward. By limiting their ability to lobby policymakers, HB 636 would limit the ability of public agencies to act contrary to the interests of the public they are meant to represent and would allow more public money to go towards the services that taxpayers expect.

(+1)