State Representative Warren Petersen is set to introduce legislation to the Arizona House that will significantly impact lobbyists’ interaction with legislators, municipalities and state employees.
“I have been surprised to find that some council members or board members are unaware of what is being lobbied on behalf of their city or school board. This bill will ensure that lobbyists are forthright with those they are lobbying for and truly protect the interest of the towns, municipalities and citizens that they are hired to represent. I would prefer to speak directly with council members or school board members but some municipalities feel the need to hire a lobbyist. This legislation will ensure that lobbyists will represent the people via their elected officials rather than the whims of a bureaucratic body,” said Rep. Petersen.
This bill, when introduced, will require that lobbyists only provide truthful information to elected officials. In addition it requires that lobbyists of municipalities are unable to lobby elected officials without a majority vote from the municipality that they represent.