MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Judiciary A

By: Representative Bowles

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT STATE AGENCIES AND ANY OTHER ENTITIES THAT RECEIVE APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE LEGISLATURE FROM ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE THE ACT OR VOTE OF ANY MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE OR TO PROMOTE, ADVOCATE, AMEND OR OPPOSE ANY MATTER BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE OR EITHER HOUSE OR ANY COMMITTEE THEREOF; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) Except as otherwise permitted under Sections 5-8-1 through 5-8-23, no agency, political subdivision, department, board, commission, bureau or other instrumentality of the state or its political subdivisions or any other entity which receives appropriations from the Legislature shall expend any public funds for the purpose of attempting at any time to: (a) influence in any manner the act or vote of any member of the Legislature of this state upon any legislative measure; or (b) promote, advocate, amend or oppose in any manner, any matter pending or that might come before the Legislature of this state, or either house thereof, or a committee of the Legislature of this state or of either house thereof.

(2) Any person convicted of a violation of subsection (1) of this section shall be fined One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) and may be removed from office.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.