The House Committee on Rules held a public hearing this week on House Bill 2727, which strengthens the integrity of our legislative process by expanding the limits of post-legislative lobbying by former legislators.

Current law prohibits a member of the Legislature from becoming a lobbyist for private sector interests for one-year after the member ceases to hold office, but doesn’t apply the same standard for former members seeking to influence the legislature on behalf of a state agency or public body.

In other words, Oregon law forbids private sector interests from using private funds to employ former members to lobby, but the State of Oregon can freely use taxpayer dollars to hire former members into positions where they then lobby their former colleagues.

The hearing brought up the question of constitutionality. Representative Anna Sharf (R-Amity), submitted the Legislative Counsel Opinion and after applying court case decision, it concludes: "The basis of the quid pro quo corruption or the appearance of quid pro quo corruption that the courts have recognized as the only valid governmental interest to justify constraint on political speech otherwise at the core of First Amendment protections. If the advocacy that the HB 2727 change proposes is limited to advocacy before the Legislative Assembly, the government objective of limiting the appearance of quid pro quo corruption remains the same and therefore HB 2727 does not violate First Amendment principles." Only if the restraint applied to entities other than the Legislative Assembly, would it be an impermissible constraint on speech protected by the First Amendment.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“HB 2727 is a good government bill that simply levels the playing field by applying the revolving door provision to both private and public entities for one-year after leaving office,” said Rep. Scharf. “By updating the current statute, we can ensure that the same level of accountability and transparency, that was intended for private sector lobbying interests, also applies to public sector interests,” Rep. Scharf concluded.

To submit testimony or comment, go to Oregon Citizens Lobby.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-02-10 18:00:37

Last Update: 2025-02-10 19:09:22