Contract lobbyists; prohibit agencies, governing authorities and universities and colleges from hiring with public funds.

HB 1514 prohibits state agencies, local governing authorities, and community/junior colleges from using public funds to hire outside lobbyists for legislative advocacy. It makes any such contract void and unenforceable, and public employees who authorize these payments could face termination. The bill also updates definitions related to lobbying (like "anything of value") and removes lobbying contracts from procurement oversight requirements. Importantly, it allows public employees whose job duties include lobbying (e.g., agency staff) to continue this work under existing reporting rules.