Kenyatta bill would prohibit public officials and employees from lobbying
Legislation would protect public trust and democracy
Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta January 20, 2026 | 4:01 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 20 – As actions of the Trump administration continue to undermine the public’s trust in elected officials and erode democratic principles, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today moved to introduce legislation that would safeguard democratic representation and improve government transparency.
Kenyatta’s proposed legislation aims to limit the influence of special interest groups by prohibiting elected officials and public employees from working for lobbying firms or trade associations.
“At a time when everything in Washington seems to be for sale and the public’s trust of government is rapidly eroding, we must move to do what we can to protect our democratic ideals and send a message that in Pennsylvania, the government is not for sale,” Kenyatta said. “This legislation would limit the influence of special interest groups in Harrisburg -- and ensure that elected officials and public servants are doing what they are supposed to do – serving the people and not big money special interests.”
The issue recently rose to the fore when news reports questioned whether a senior member of the Republican caucus had a conflict of interest after accepting a role as the president of a trade organization.
Regardless of whether the situation created a conflict of interest, Kenyatta said his bill would prohibit conditions like that arising in the first place – and prevent even the appearance of wrongdoing.
“At the end of the day, we are paid to do a job – to represent the people of Pennsylvania,” Kenyatta said. “This bill makes sure that public servants keep their eyes where they belong, and their interests aligned with the people they represent. And it will help restore the public’s trust that our government is truly by and for the people, and not beholden to special interests.”