HF2949

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to prevent conflicts of interest by restricting Minnesota legislators and certain executive appointees from engaging in compensated activities with nonprofit organizations that receive state grant funding.

Main Provisions

• Legislature Restrictions: Legislators cannot be employed by or receive compensation from:

  • Businesses primarily engaged in lobbying or government relations.
  • Businesses that facilitate government affairs between third parties.
  • Any business employing or contracting lobbyists where the legislator's duties involve direct or indirect support of those activities.
  • Nonprofit organizations receiving state grant funding, regardless of where the organization operates or its client base.

• Executive Branch Restrictions: Appointed members of multimember agencies and commissioners or deputy commissioners cannot work for or receive payment from nonprofits receiving state grants during their tenure.

• Post-Tenure Restriction: Former commissioners and deputy commissioners are barred for one year post-employment from engaging in proceedings of their former department on behalf of private interests.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces new prohibitions and specific rules for: - Sitting legislators and their interactions with businesses and nonprofits. - Appointed agency members and their employment restrictions. - Post-employment activities of former commissioners and deputy commissioners.

Relevant Terms

• Conflict of Interest
• State Grant Funding
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Legislators
• Executive Branch Appointees
• Lobbying
• Government Relations