Ban on Lobbying by Convicted Felons

Assembly Bill 304

September 9, 2009

Assembly Bill 304 bans convicted felons from lobbying in Wisconsin. In recent years, two state legislators convicted of felony misconduct in public office started lobbying shortly after being driven out of office. Democratic Senator Brian Burke of Milwaukee was representing special interest clients while in home confinement while Republican Assembly Majority Leader Steve Foti of Oconomowoc was lobbying in the halls of the Capitol under terms of his sentence allowing work release privileges.

AB 304 was introduced and referred to the committee on Judiciary and Ethics on June 4, 2009. The committee held a public hearing on June 30. The bill passed out of committee with an 8-2 vote on September 9, 2009.