Sometimes described as a “corporate bill mill,” ALEC demands impressive fees from its member companies, which are increased if a company wants to play a direct role in writing proposed laws. The Koch network has used ALEC, by many accounts, as a private legislative incubator, where state lawmakers and company lobbyists can collaborate in drafting bills — including this new wave of critical infrastructure laws — meant to boost the firm’s bottom line.
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Two of its sponsors, state Sen. Brian Birdwell and state Rep. Chris Paddie, both Republicans, are ALEC-affiliated legislators, according to the Center for Media and Democracy.