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

HB 652 prohibits Mississippi state agencies and community/junior colleges from using public funds to hire external lobbyists for advocacy. The bill makes any contract for such lobbying services void and unenforceable, and public employees who authorize these payments could face termination. It clarifies that the ban does not apply to employees whose job duties include lobbying on behalf of their institution. The law aims to prevent public money from being spent on external lobbying efforts while maintaining existing requirements for reporting and disclosure.