HB0131

Prohibits government entities from using public funds for membership fees, activity expenses, and lobbying payments to associations composed primarily of government entities, while requiring documentation and public reporting of participation in such associations.

• Defines 'government entity' to include the state, all branches, agencies, departments, and political subdivisions, and defines 'government member association' as associations or organizations composed primarily of government entities whose purposes include influencing legislative or administrative action, with exceptions for interstate compacts and joint powers boards performing specific governmental functions. (W.S. 9-13-201)
• Prohibits public funds from being expended for membership fees or dues to government member associations. (W.S. 9-13-202(a)(i))
• Prohibits public funds from reimbursing expenses for room, board, or travel related to government entity participation in government member association activities. (W.S. 9-13-202(a)(ii))
• Prohibits public funds from being used for lobbying activities conducted by or on behalf of a government entity through a government member association. (W.S. 9-13-202(a)(iii))
• Prohibits public funds from being used for contributions to political campaigns or candidates. (W.S. 9-13-202(a)(iv))
• Requires government entities to document and monthly publish online the participation of officers, employees, contractors, or agents in government member association activities when performed in official capacity or using public funds, including time spent and nature of work performed. (W.S. 9-13-202(b))
• Specifies that records created by a governmental entity related to its activity with a government member association are public records, and adds the definition of 'government member association' to the Public Records Act. (W.S. 16-4-201(a)(v), W.S. 16-4-201(a)(xv))
• Makes county board memberships and cooperation with associations subject to the prohibition on using public funds for government member association payments. (W.S. 18-3-522)