Senate Bill 2053

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY SPONSORSHIP OF CERTAIN PRIVATE CONVENTIONS AND SEMINARS; TO PROHIBIT A PUBLIC OFFICIAL FROM APPEARING IN PUBLICLY FUNDED ADVERTISEMENTS DURING THE YEAR OF THE GENERAL ELECTION IF THE OFFICIAL IS A CANDIDATE, EXCEPT IN CASES OF A STATE OR NATIONAL EMERGENCY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. No general funds of any state agency or political subdivision of the state, as defined in Section 11-46-1, may be used to sponsor a conference, convention or training seminar that is held or organized by a private lobbyist or private lobbyist's client, as defined in Sections 5-8-3 and 5-8-7. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the general funds of any state agency or political subdivision from being used to pay an association's membership dues or registration fee and expenses for the attendance by a public official or employee of such a conference, convention or training seminar.

SECTION 2. (1) No public official shall use or permit the use of public funds for any advertisement in a newspaper, on radio, or on television that contains his name, voice or likeness during the period beginning January 1 and continuing through the general election if that official is a candidate, except in cases of a state or national emergency. When the public official pays the required fee to enter an election for public office, he shall also file an affidavit stating that he has not violated the provisions of this section.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the term "advertisement" means material, content, display or publication related to any state agency or local governmental entity or any service available through any state agency or local governmental entity that is: (a) disseminated by radio, internet or television; or (b) printed in any newspaper, magazine, billboard or placard. The term "advertisement" shall not include items such as newsletters, public information pamphlets, public information on the official websites of state agencies or local governmental entities, directional signage, stationery, letterhead or business cards.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.