Prohibits lobbyists from making any political contributions to any member of the general assembly from January 1 through July 1 in any year, unless the general assembly adjourns for the year prior to July 1.

## Plain-English Summary

This bill would place new restrictions on when lobbyists in Rhode Island can donate money to state legislators. Specifically, it would ban lobbyists from making any political contributions to members of the General Assembly during the first half of the year — from January 1st through July 1st — which is typically when the legislature is actively in session and making decisions on laws and policies. The only exception would be if the legislature finishes its work and adjourns before July 1st, in which case the restriction would end early.

The idea behind the bill is to create a clear separation between the time when lobbyists are actively trying to influence legislation and the time when they can financially support lawmakers' campaigns. Currently, lobbyists can donate to legislators year-round, including during the busy legislative session. This bill would limit that activity to the latter half of the year, when the legislature is generally not in session.

This bill directly affects registered lobbyists — people paid to represent businesses, organizations, or other interests before the state government — as well as members of the Rhode Island House and Senate who currently receive donations from those lobbyists. Lobbyists would need to time any political contributions carefully to comply with the new rules, and legislators would be restricted from accepting such donations during session months.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process.