US Lobbyist Registration Requirements Resources

US Lobbyist Registration Requirements Resources in United States

US Lobbyist Registration Requirements Resources

The Center for Ethics in Government – UPDATED March, 2008

This table is intended to provide general information and does not necessarily address all aspects of this topic.  Because the facts of each situation may vary, this information may need to be supplemented by consulting legal advisors.  It reflects in summary form statutes in effect as of 12/31/07 or statutes set to take effect shortly thereafter.

State Who Must Register Required Lobbyist Registration Information
Alabama
36-25-18
LobbyistsFee: $100/year
  • Registrant’s full name and business address;
  • Registrant’s normal business and address;
  • Full names, addresses of all principals;
  • Listing of the categories of subject matters on which the registrant is to lobby on;
  • If activity is done on behalf of the members of a group other than a corporation, list the number of persons of the group as follows: 1-5; 6-10; 11-25; over 25;
  • Statement signed by each principal that he or she has read the registration and has authorized the registrant to be a lobbyist in his or her behalf as specified therein, and that no contingency fees will be paid.
Alaska
24.45.041
LobbyistsFee: $100/year
  • Lobbyist’s full name, permanent residence address, business address, phone number, as well as temporary residential and business address, phone number in state capital during session;
  • Full name, address of each person by whom the lobbyist is retained or employed;
  • Description of whether the principal employs the lobbyist solely as a lobbyist or whether the lobbyist is a regular employee performing other services that include but are not limited to the influencing of legislative or administrative action;
  • The nature or form of the lobbyist’s compensation, including salary, fees, or reimbursement for expenses received in consideration for, or directly in support of or in connection with, the influencing of legislative or administrative action;
  • A general description of the subjects or matters on which the registrant expects to lobby or to engage in the influencing of legislative or administrative action;
  • Full name and complete address of the person, if other than the registrant, who has custody of the accounts, books, papers, bills, receipts, and other documents required to be maintained under this chapter;
  • Identification of a legislator, legislative employee, or public official to whom the lobbyist is married or who is the spousal equivalent of the lobbyist;
  • At the option of the registrant, four 2.5-inch by 2.5-inch black and white photos of the lobbyist that are not more than five years old for inclusion in the lobbyist directory.
Arizona
41-1232,
41-1232.01
Principals, Public BodiesFee: $25 biennial for principals   Principals:

  • The name and business address of the principal.
  • The name and business address of a person who is the designated lobbyist for the principal, regardless of whether such person is engaged to lobby for compensation.
  • The name and business address of each lobbyist for compensation or authorized lobbyist employed by, retained by or representing the principal.
  • For each lobbyist for compensation, designated lobbyist or authorized lobbyist that is not an individual, the name and business address of all employees of that lobbyist who lobby on the principal’s behalf.
  • The nature of the primary business or activity, issue, interest or purpose of the principal.
  • The duration of the engagement of any lobbyist.
  • A description of the expenses for which each lobbyist is to be reimbursed by the principal.
  • A listing of the state entities the lobbyist has been engaged or designated to lobby including the legislature and state agencies, boards, commissions or councils.
  • A principal shall provide notice to each lobbyist for compensation, authorized lobbyist and designated lobbyist who is named in the principal’s registration statement. The notice shall state that this listing obligates the lobbyist to register and file all reports required by this article.

Public Bodies

  • The name and business address of the public body.
  • The name and business address of a person who is the designated public lobbyist for the public body, regardless of whether this person is paid to lobby.
  • The name and business address of each authorized public lobbyist employed by, retained by or representing the public body.
  • For each designated public lobbyist or authorized public lobbyist that is not an individual, the name and business address of all employees of such designated public lobbyist or authorized public lobbyist who may lobby on the public body’s behalf.
  • A description of the expenses for which each designated public lobbyist and authorized public lobbyist is to be reimbursed by the public body.
  • A public body shall provide notice to each designated public lobbyist or authorized public lobbyist who is named in its registration statement. The notice shall state that this listing obligates the designated public lobbyist to register and file all reports required by this article.
Arkansas
21-8-601
LobbyistsNo fee in statute
  • The name, address, and telephone number of the lobbyist;
  • The calendar year for which the lobbyist is registering;
  • The name, address, and telephone number of the lobbyist’s client or employer;
  • A description of the nature of the lobbyist’s client or employer; and
  • Certification by the lobbyist that the information contained is true and correct.
California
Gov’t Code  86103, 86104
Lobbyists, Lobbying Firms, Lobbyist EmployersFee: $25 per lobbyist for lobbyist firms  Lobbyists:

  • Recent photo.
  • Name, address, phone.
  • Statement that lobbyist has read and understands the prohibitions in Sections 86203 and 86205.
  • If the lobbyist filed a certification for the last legislative session, a statement that he or she has taken the ethics course described in subdivision (b) of Section 8956. If the lobbyist did not register last session, this certification can state that the lobbyist will take the course before June 30 of the next year, and it will be accepted conditionally.
  • Any other information the commission requires consistent with this chapter.

Lobbying Firms:

  • Firm’s full name, business address, phone.
  • List of lobbyists who are partners, owners, officers, or employees of the firm.
  • Lobbyist certifications for each lobbyist in the firm.
  • Name, business address, phone of each person with whom the lobbying firm contracts to provide lobbying services, as well as:
    • A signed, written authorization from each person or entity.
    • The length of the contract.
    • Information to identify the nature and interests of the person or entity. For individuals, name, address of employer or principal place of business, description of the business activity. For business entities, describe the business activity. For associations, describe the industry, trade, or profession they represents, including description of any portion or faction the association represents and, if it has fewer than 50 members, their names. For entities that are not individuals, businesses or associations, state the entity’s nature and purposes.
    • The lobbying interests of the person or entity.
    • List of the state agencies whose legislative or administrative actions the lobbying firm will attempt to influence for the person or entity.
  • Name, title of person responsible for filing statements, keeping required records.
  • Signed statement that report filer understands the prohibitions in 86203 and 86205.
  • Any other information required by the commission consistent this chapter.

Lobbyist employers: Same as lobbyist firms, except lobbyist employers list the  information from the third bullet about themselves, and signed, written authorizations aren’t necessary. Neither is the length of the contract.

Colorado
24-6-303
24-6-303.5
Lobbyists, State Official or State Employee LobbyistsFee: $50/year Lobbyists:

  • Name, business address, phone.
  • Name, business address, phone of all employers, all persons for whom he or she will be lobbying, and all persons who will compensate the filer for lobbying.

State Official or State Employee Lobbyists: (Each department shall designate one person to file this report.)

  • Name, department address, phone number of filer.
  • Names of all persons in the department who will lobby on its behalf, their title, classification, work address and phone.
Connecticut
1-94
Lobbyists who: receive or agree to receive more than $2,000 a year in compensation or reimbursement for lobbying expenses; or who spend or incur an obligation to spend $2,000 or more a year for lobbying purposes.Fee: $25 biennially
  • For individuals: Name, permanent address, temporary address while lobbying. Name, address, nature of business of any person who compensates or reimburses, or agrees to that; terms of the compensation, reimbursement or agreement. Identification of areas of legislative or administrative action on which the registrant expects to lobby.
  • For corporations: Name, address, place of incorporation, principal place of business of the corporation. Name, address of each individual who will lobby on the registrant’s behalf. Identification of areas of legislative or administrative action on which the registrant expects to lobby. Names, addresses of individuals who will lobby on the registrant’s behalf.
  • For associations, groups of persons, organizations: Name, address of principal officers and directors. If the registrant is formed primarily for lobbying, disclose name, address of any person contributing $2,000 or more to the registrant’s lobbying activities in any calendar year. Identification of areas of legislative or administrative action on which the registrant expects to lobby. Names, addresses of individuals who will lobby on the registrant’s behalf.
Delaware5832 LobbyistsNo fee in statute
  • Authorization to act as a lobbyist from the lobbyist’s employer, including name, business address of employer and lobbyist; period of time during which the lobbyist is authorized to act; subjects of legislation, regulation or administrative action upon which the employer is represented.
  • Name, residence or business address, occupation of each lobbyist.
  • Name and business address of lobbyist’s employers.
  • Date on which the employment as lobbyist commenced;
  • The length of time the employment is to continue; and
  • Subject matter of legislation, regulation or administrative action as to which the employment relates at that time.
Florida
11.045View the form(Accurate for legislative lobbyists only.)

LobbyistsFee: Set annually by Joint Rule 1.3(3)  Separate registration required for each principal represented. The first lobbyist who registers for a particular principal becomes the designated lobbyist for that principal, and is responsible for reporting on activity reports any expenditures made directly by that principal.

  • Lobbyist’s name, business address, phone.
  • Areas of interest.
  • Driver’s license number, issuing state.
  • Name, business address of principal.
  • Name, extent of any direct business association or partnership with any current member of the Legislature.
  • Statement signed by the principal or principal’s representative that the registrant is authorized to represent the principal.
Georgia
21-5-71
LobbyistsFees: $200/year, plus $5 for ID card, plus $10 for supplemental registration; $25 for tax-exempt organizations and public agencies. 
  • Name, address, and telephone number;
  • Name, address, and telephone number of the entity that employs, appoints, or authorizes the applicant to lobby on its behalf;
  • General business or purpose of each entity the applicant represents;
  • If the applicant represents a membership group other than an agency or corporation, the general purpose and approximate number of members of the organization; and
  • Statement signed by the entity employing, appointing, or authorizing the applicant to lobby on its behalf.
Hawaii
97-2
LobbyistsNo fee in statute
  • Lobbyist’s name, mailing address, and business phone.
  • Name, principal place of business of each person by whom the lobbyist is retained or employed or on whose behalf the lobbyist appears or works.
  • Written authorization to act as a lobbyist from each person by whom the lobbyist is employed or with whom the lobbyist contracts.
  • Subject areas on which the lobbyist expects to lobby.
Idaho
67-6617
LobbyistsFee: $10 per employer annually Lobbyists must file separate forms for each employer.

  • Lobbyist’s name, permanent business address, temporary residential and business addresses during the legislative session.
  • Name, address and general nature of the occupation or business of the lobbyist’s employer, duration of employment.
  • Whether the person from whom the lobbyist receives compensation employs him or her solely as a lobbyist or as a regular employee performing other services which include lobbying of legislation.
  • General subject or subjects of the lobbyist’s legislative  interest.
  • Name, address of the person with custody of the accounts, bills, receipts, books, papers, and documents required to be kept under this act.
Illinois
25 ILCS 170
Those seeking to influence executive, legislative or administrative action.Those who employ others for the above purposes.Fees: $350/year; $150 for non-profits
  • Name, permanent address, e-mail address, fax number, business phone; temporary address, if applicable.
  • For organizations or business entities, the information above for each person associated with the registrant who will be lobbying, regardless of whether lobbying is a significant part of his or her duties.
  • Name, address of persons employing or retaining registrant to perform lobbying services or on whose behalf the registrant appears.
  • Brief description of the executive, legislative, or administrative action in reference to which such service is to be rendered.
  • Each executive and legislative branch agency the registrant expects to lobby during the registration period.
  • The nature of the client’s business, by indicating all of 22 categories that apply. Category 22 is “other, please specify.”
Indiana
IC 2-7-2-3,
IC 2-7-2-4
Compensated lobbyistsThose who compensate lobbyistsFees: $100/year; $50 for nonprofits Compensated lobbyists:

  • Name, social security number, residence address, phone, business address, phone; addresses, phones of  temporary living or business quarters
  • Name, business address, phone, and kind of business of each person (including the names of each officer or partner) who compensates the lobbyists
  • Primary occupation, names of employers if different than those specified above
  • Subject matter of lobbying

Those who compensate lobbyists:

  • Name, business address, phone, kind of business, full name of the individual who controls the business, the partners, if any, and officers
  • Full name, business address, phone of each person compensated by him as a lobbyist
  • Subject matter for which he has employed or contracted with a lobbyist
Iowa
68B.36
LobbyistsNo fee in statute
  • Name, business address, phone, cell phone
  • Residence address, phone
  • General subjects of interest
  • Whether the lobbyist is a state employee representing the official position of a state agency
  • Whether the lobbyist claims exemption from filing periodic activity reports under certain code sections
  • Client names, addresses, phone numbers, contact person
  • Whether the registrant is exempt from client reporting because he or she receives no compensation for lobbying
Kansas
46-265
LobbyistsFees:$35/$220/$300 per year depending on amount spent to lobby; $360 if employed with lobbying group or firm. The lobbyist must file a separate form for each of his or her principals.

  • Name and address of the lobbyist
  • Name and address of the person compensating the lobbyist for lobbying,
  • Purpose of the employment and the method of determining and computing the compensation of the lobbyist.
Kentucky
6.807

(Accurate for legislative lobbyists only.)

Legislative agents, employersFee: $250 biennially
  • Name, address, phone, occupation of legislative agent
  • Name, brief description of the nature of the business, nature and identity of the organized association, coalition, or public interest entity, business address and telephone number of the employer, and the real party in interest on whose behalf the legislative agent is lobbying, if different from the employer
  • Name, bill number, or a brief description of the legislative action for which the legislative agent will lobby on behalf of his or her employer or as a representative of the organized association, coalition, or public interest entity
  • The date on which the legislative agent was engaged
  • Certification by employer, legislative agent that information is complete, accurate.
Louisiana
24:53(Accurate for legislative lobbyists only.)
Lobbyists and principals and employees who make direct lobbying expendituresFee: $110/year 
  • Name, business address
  • Name, address of each person by whom he is employed and, if different, whose interests he represents, including the business in which that person is engaged.
  • Name of each person by whom he is paid or is to be paid.
  • One copy of a 2-inch-by-2-inch recent photograph of the registrant made within the prior six months
Maine
316, 316A
Lobbyist, lobbyist employers, state employees who engage in lobbyingFees: $200 annually for joint registration of lobbyist and employer; $100 for each lobbyist associate.  Lobbyist, Lobbyist Employers:

  • Names of lobbyist, lobbyist’s associates, the person authorized to sign the lobbyist’s registration and reports; name of the person employing the lobbyist.
  • Business addresses of lobbyist, lobbyist employer
  • Date lobbying is expected to commence
  • Description of the nature of the business of the lobbyist employer
  • Amount of compensation lobbyist will receive for services or, if unascertainable, the basis upon which the lobbyist will charge
  • Signature of lobbyist, lobbyist employer

State Employee Lobbyists:

  • Name of employee, department or agency representing
  • A position description
Maryland
15-703
LobbyistsFee: $100/year Lobbyists shall file separate forms for each of their employers.

  • Regulated lobbyist’s name, permanent address
  • Name, permanent address of other regulated lobbyists who will lobby on his or her behalf
  • Name, address, nature of business of the entity that has engaged the regulated lobbyist, statement indicating whether, because of the filing and reporting of the regulated lobbyist, the compensating entity is exempt from certain reports
  • Identification of the matters on which the regulated lobbyist expects to lobby, or to engage another regulated lobbyist to lobby
  • If applicable, each registration shall include the authorization required by § 15-702 of this subtitle, which states that an entity that engages a regulated lobbyist to lobby shall provide a signed authorization including the full legal name, business address of the entity and of the regulated lobbyist; the time period during which the lobbyist is authorized to lobby on behalf of the entity; and the proposal or subject on which the lobbyist represents the entity.
Massachusetts
3:41
Legislative and executive agents, lobbyist entities, clients retaining the services of legislative or executive agents or lobbyist entities, groups not employing lobbyists that spend more than $250 a year to lobby.Fees: $1,000/year for executive and legislative agents; $100/ year for employers
  • Name, business address, phone, email address
  • Current photograph
  • Written authorization to act as such agent, signed by lobbyist’s employer. This form includes the client’s name, address, phone, email, and the lobbyist’s dates of employment.
  • Lobbyist entities must disclose the number of lobbyists involved, as well as the above information for each.
  • Clients must check off their business interests.
Michigan
4.417
Lobbyists, lobbyist agents (Lobbyist agents are essentially lobbyists who spend and/or are compensated less per year.)No fee in statute Lobbyists:

  • Name, office address
  • Name, address of each person employed who is reimbursed or compensated more than $10
  • Name, address, nature of business of a person who gives compensation to or reimburses the lobbyist or the representative of a lobbyist for lobbying.
  • Fiscal year of the lobbyist.

Lobbyist agents:

  • Name, office address of the lobbyist agent, if the lobbyist agent is not an individual
  • Name, permanent residence and office addresses if the lobbyist agent is an individual
  • Name, address of each person employed, reimbursed or compensated for more than $10 in expenses
  • Name, address, and nature of business of a person who gives compensation to or reimburses the lobbyist agent or the representative of a lobbyist agent for lobbying
Minnesota
10A.03
LobbyistsNo fee in statute
  • Lobbyist’s name, address
  • Principal place of business of the lobbyist
  • Name, address of each individual, association, political subdivision, or public higher education system, if any, by whom the lobbyist is retained or employed or on whose
    behalf the lobbyist appears; and
  • General description of the subject or subjects on which the lobbyist expects to lobby
  • If lobbying on behalf of an association, include name, address of the officers and directors of the association
Mississippi
5-8-5
LobbyistsLobbyist ClientsFee: $25/year
  • Name, address, occupation and phone of lobbyist
  • Name, address, phone, principal place of business of the lobbyist’s client
  • The kind of business of lobbyist’s client
  • Name of the person or persons who control the lobbyist’s client, the partners, if any, and officers of the lobbyist’s client
  • Name, address, phone of each lobbyist employed by or representing the lobbyist’s client
  • Statement or statements by the lobbyist and lobbyist’s client indicating the specific nature of the issues being lobbied on behalf of the lobbyist’s client, with sufficient detail so that the precise nature of the lobbyist’s advocacy is evident
Missouri
105.473
LobbyistsFee: $10 one-time charge
  • Lobbyist’s name and business address
  • Name, address of all persons such lobbyist employs for lobbying purposes
  • Name, address of each lobbyist principal by whom such lobbyist is employed or in whose interest such lobbyist appears or works
Montana
5-7-201,
5-7-203
Lobbyists, PrincipalsFee: $150 biennially Lobbyists must obtain a license under 5-7-103

  • Name, business address of each lobbyist
  • Name, business address of principal
  • Subjects to which the employment relates or a statement that the employment relates to all matters in which the principal has an interest
Nebraska
49-1480
LobbyistsFees: $100 per principal for compensated lobbyists; $15 per principal for non-compensated lobbyists
  • Lobbyist’s name, permanent residence address, office address
  • Name, address of the principal of such lobbyist
  • Nature of the business of such principal
  • Amounts paid to lobbyist as compensation or reimbursement for lobbying. A lobbyist who is salaried or retained by a principal need only report that portion of pay reasonably attributable to lobbying
  • Description of the business activity of the lobbyist
  • Matters on which the principal or lobbyist expects to lobby
  • For industry, trade, or professional associations, a description of the group the principal represents, names and addresses of its officers
  • If  principal is not an industry, trade, or professional association, specific description of the interests and groups the principal represents, names, addresses of its officers
  • Name, address of officials in legislative or executive branch, and of any members of any such official’s staff or immediate family, who are employed by the lobbyist or any person acting on behalf of such lobbyist
Nevada
218.920
LobbyistsFees: For paid lobbyists, $95 plus $1 for each entity they represent; for unpaid lobbyists, $15
  • Name, permanent address, place of business, temporary address while lobbying
  • Name, addresses of those the registrant represents, or by whom registrant is retained or employed
  • Direct business associations with any current legislator and the registrant or any person by whom the registrant is retained or employed. Include any such association constituting a source of income or involving a debt or interest in real estate required to be disclosed in a statement of financial disclosure made by a candidate for public office or a public officer
  • Names of current legislator for whom the registrant or any person by whom the registrant is retained or employed, has, in connection with a political campaign of the legislator, provided consulting, advertising or other professional services since the beginning of the preceding regular legislative session.
  • Description of the principal areas of interest on which the registrant expects to lobby
  • If registrant lobbies on behalf of members, the number of members
  • Declaration that none of the registrant’s compensation or reimbursement is contingent upon the production of any legislative action
New  Hampshire
15:1
Those gainfully employed by another, except the state of N.H., in a representative capacity to attempt to influence legislationFee: $50/year
  • Names of employer and employed, their respective residences, the usual occupation of each
  • Date and character of the employment or agreement therefore
  • Duration of the employment if it can be determined
  • Special subjects of legislation, if any, to which the employment relates
New Jersey
52:13C-21
Anyone who, for the purpose of influencing governmental processes, is employed, retained or engages himself as a governmental affairs agentNo fee in statute Lobbyists must file a separate report for each of their employers.

  • Name, business address and regular occupation
  • Name, business address and occupation or principal business of the person from whom he receives compensation for acting as a governmental affairs agent
  • Name, business address and occupation or principal business of any person in whose interest he acts as a governmental affairs agent in consideration of the aforesaid compensation, if such person is other than the person from whom said compensation is received
  • Descriptions of the primary lobbying interests of the people in control at the governmental affairs agent’s employers, if not easily ascertainable by the name of the employer. Include the names, mailing addresses and occupations, respectively, of those persons.
  • Whether the person from whom he receives said compensation employs him solely as a governmental affairs agent, or whether he is a regular employee performing services which include but are not limited to the influencing of legislation, regulation or governmental processes
  • Length of time for which he will be receiving compensation from the person aforesaid for acting as a governmental affairs agent
  • Type of legislation, regulation or governmental process or the particular legislation,  regulation or governmental process in relation to which he is to act as governmental affairs agent
New Mexico
2-11-3
LobbyistsFee: $25 per client annually
  • Lobbyist’s full name, permanent business address and business address while lobbying;
  • Name and address of each of the lobbyist’s employers
  • For each employer listed, the following information:
    • A full disclosure of the sources of funds used for lobbying;
    • Written statement authorizing lobbying  on each employer’s behalf;
    • Brief description of the matters that will be lobbied on;
    • Name, address of the person who will have custody of the accounts, bills, receipts, books, papers and documents required to be kept.
New York
Legislative Law
32-1A-1-e
Lobbyists who reasonably expect to spend or receive more than $5,000 a yearFee:$200 per lobbyist annually. Free for lobbyists who spend or receive less than $5,000 a year. Separate statement required for each client.

  • Lobbyist’s name, address, phone;
  • If the lobbyist is an organization, names, addresses and phone numbers of any officer or employee of the organization who lobbies;
  • Lobbyist’s client’s name, address and telephone number of the client by whom or on
    whose behalf the lobbyist is retained, employed or designated;
  • Copy of any written agreement of retainer or employment between the lobbyist and the client or a statement of substance if the agreement was oral;
  • Description of the general subject or subjects, the legislative bill numbers of any bills and the rule, regulation, and ratemaking numbers of any rules, regulations, or rates or proposed rules, regulations, or rates on which the lobbyist is lobbying or expects to lobby;
  • Name of the person, organization, or legislative body before which the lobbyist is lobbying or expects to lobby;
North Carolina
120C-100 et.seq.
Lobbyists,Principals, and SolicitorsFee: $100 per registration Separate form required for each lobbyist’s principal.

  • Lobbyist’s full name, firm, and complete address and telephone number;
  • Lobbyist’s place of business;
  • Full name, complete address and telephone number of each principal the lobbyists represents;
  • General description of the matters on which the registrant expects to act as a lobbyist;
  • Written authorization from the principal that the lobbyist is an authorized representative
  • AMENDED REGISTRATION STATEMENT MUST BE FILED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE NO LATER THAN 10 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED IN THE LOBBYIST’S LAST REGISTRATION.  EACH SUPPLEMENTARY REGISTRATION SHALL INCLUDE A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF THE INFORMATION THAT HAS CHANGED.
North Dakota
54-05.1-03 (1)
Lobbyists:Fee: $25, plus $5 per principal annually
  • Lobbyist’s full name and business address;
  • Name, address of any person upon whose behalf the registrant appears, any person in whose interest the registrant appears or works;
  • Duration of the employment or appearances, and by whom the registrant is paid or is to be paid;
  • Written authorization to act as a lobbyist (from principal).
Ohio
101.72
Legislative agents, EmployersFee: $25 charge for registration valid until Dec. 31 of the next even-numbered year. Legislative agents must file separate reports for each employer, but employers must file only one report that includes all employed legislative agents.

  • Name, business address, occupation of the legislative agent;
  • Name, business address of the employer and the real party in interest on whose behalf the legislative agent is actively advocating, if it is different from the employer.
  • Brief description of the type of legislation to which the engagement relates.
Oklahoma
74-4250
LobbyistsFee: $100/year
  • Lobbyist’s name, business address, phone;
  • Name, address of each lobbyist principal;
  • Registration date
Oregon
171.740
LobbyistsNo fee in statute
  • Lobbyist’s name, address, phone;
  • Name, address, phone number of each person that employs the lobbyist or in whose interest the lobbyist works in a separate registration statement;
  • General description of the trade, business, profession or area of endeavor each lobbyist employer and a signed statement from each person that the lobbyist is officially authorized to lobby stating that fact;
  • Names of any members of the legislature that were employed, retained or otherwise compensated by the lobbyist or the lobbyist’s employer;
  • The general subject or subjects of the legislative action of interest to the person for whom the lobbyist is registered.
Pennsylvania
65 Pa.C.S.
Sec. 1304-A
Lobbyistsbiennial registration
fee of $100
            (a)       General rule.–Unless excluded under section 1306-A (relating to exemption from registration and reporting), a lobbyist, lobbying firm or a principal must register with the department within ten days of acting in any capacity as a lobbyist, lobbying firm or principal. Registration shall be biennial and shall begin January 1, 2007.(b)       Principals and lobbying firms.–

(1)       A principal or lobbying firm required to register under subsection (a) shall file a single registration statement setting forth the following information with the department:

(i)         Name.

(ii)        Permanent address.

(iii)       Daytime telephone number.

(iv)       E-mail address, if available.

(v)        Name and nature of business.

(vi)       Name, registration number and acronym of any affiliated political action committees.

(vii)      Name and permanent business address of each individual who will for economic consideration engage in lobbying on behalf of the principal or lobbying firm.

(viii)     Registration number when available.

(2)       A lobbying firm shall include in its statement under paragraph (1) the following information for each principal it represents:

(i)         Name.

(ii)        Permanent business address.

(iii)       Telephone number.

(iv)       Registration number when available.

(3)          A principal that is an association or organization shall include in its statement under paragraph (1) the number of dues-paying members of the association or organization in the most recently completed calendar year.

(c)       Lobbyist–A lobbyist who is required to register under subsection (a) shall file a single registration statement setting forth the following information with the department:

(1)       Name.

(2)       Permanent business address.

(3)       Daytime telephone number.

(4)       E-mail address, if available.

(5)       A recent photograph of the lobbyist.

(6)       Name, permanent business address, daytime telephone number and registration number when available of each principal for whom the lobbyist will engage in lobbying.

(7)       Name and registration number when available of any lobbying firm with which the lobbyist has a relationship involving economic consideration.

(8)       Name, registration number and acronym of any affiliated political action committees.

(9)       Name, registration number and acronym of any candidate political committee of which the lobbyist is an officer who must be included in a registration statement under Section 1624(b)(2) and (3) of the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L. 1333, No. 320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code.

(d)       Amendments.–

(1)       If there is a change of information required for the registration statement under subsection (b)(1) or (2) or (c), an amended registration statement shall be filed with the department within 14 days after the change occurs.

(2)       When there is a change in information required for the registration statement under subsection (b)(3), an amended registration statement shall be filed with the department within 14 days of the end of the year in which the change occurs.

(e)       Termination–

            (1)       A lobbyist, lobbying firm or principal may terminate registration by filing notice of termination with the department.

(2)       After a review of the notice of termination, but no later than 15 days after receipt of the notice, the department shall issue to the lobbyist, lobbying firm or principal a letter stating that the registrant has terminated registration. The filing of  notice shall not affect the commission’s authority to conduct investigations and hearings under Section 1308-A(g) (relating to administration).

(3)       No lobbying may occur after the filing of notice of termination unless the lobbying is pursuant to a separate registration statement which is filed with the department and which, at the time of the lobbying, has not been terminated.

(4)       Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to exempt a lobbyist, lobbying firm or principal from any of the requirements in Section 1305-A (relating to reporting).

Rhode Island
22-10-5,
22-10-4.1
LobbyistsGovernment employeesNo fee in statute Lobbyists:

  • Name, business address of employer;
  • Name, residence, occupation of the persons employed for any lobbying purpose in connection with legislation;
  • Date of the employment or agreement for the employment;
  • Length of time the employment is to continue, if the time can be determined;
  • Legislation by bill number or by the subject matter in the case of executive agency lobbying.

Government employees register by giving only their names and agencies.

South Carolina
2-17-20
LobbyistsPrincipalsFee: $100/year Lobbyists:

  • Lobbyist’s, name, address, phone, occupation;
  • Name of employer, principal place of business, position held in that business by the lobbyist;
  • Identification of the public body which the lobbyist will engage in lobbying and the subject matter, including the name of legislation, covered agency actions, or covered gubernatorial actions;
  • Certification that the information is true and correct;
  • Written authorization from lobbyist’s employer

Principals:

  • Principal’s full name, address, phone. If an individual, include occupation, name of employer, principal place of business, and position of authority held in that business by the lobbyist’s principal;
  • Identification of each person the lobbyist’s principal expects to employ, appoint, or retain
  • Identification of the public body that the lobbyist’s principal will authorize lobbying, subject matter in which the lobbyist’s principal will authorize lobbying, including the name of legislation, covered agency actions, or covered gubernatorial actions;
  • Certification that the information is true and correct.
South Dakota
2-12-1 –
2-12-5
LobbyistsFee: $35/year for each employee represented
  • Lobbyist name, address, occupation, home and business phone;
  • Local phone number if staying in town during session;
  • Lobbyist employer’s name, mailing address, subject of interest;
  • Each lobbyist must file an authorization form from his or her principal.
Tennessee
3-6-302
Lobbyists and Employers of LobbyistsFee: To be determined TCA Sec. 3-6-301(e)
  • For Employers of Lobbyists:  (A) Employer’s name, business address, telephone number and e-mail address; and, in the case of a corporation, association or governmental entity, the names of the individuals performing the functions of chief executive officer and chief financial officer; (B) Name, business address, telephone number and e-mail address of each lobbyist authorized to represent the employer; and (C) Verification of delivery, by such lobbyist, of the commission’s manual for lobbyists and employers of lobbyists, as required by § 3-6-114.For  Lobbyists: each lobbyist shall electronically file a registration statement that includes the following information: (A) Lobbyist’s name, business address, telephone number and e-mail address; (B) Name, business address, telephone number and e-mail address of each employer the lobbyist is authorized to represent; (C) Subject matters lobbied for such employers during the registration year, to be indicated among general categories listed by the ethics commission;(D) Name and business address of any member of thelobbyist’s immediate family who is an official within the legislative or executive branch; and (E) The extent of any direct business arrangement or partnership between the lobbyist and any candidate for public office or any official in the legislative or executive branch.(c) Throughout the year, by amendment electronically filed with the ethics commission, each employer of a lobbyist and each lobbyist shall update, correct or otherwise modify the employer’s or lobbyist’s registration statement not later than seven (7) days following the occurrence of any event, action or changed circumstance that renders the registration statement inaccurate or incomplete.

    Employer and lobbyist registration statements, as may be amended, as well as lobbyist photographs shall be promptly posted on the commission’s Internet site.

Texas
305.005
Those who spend or receive more than $200/quarter for lobbyingEthics Commission has authority to require state agency lobbyists to register.Fee: $500/year; $100/year for lobbyists representing non-profits
  • Registrant’s full name and address;
  • Registrant’s normal business, business phone, address
  • Full name, address of each person: (1) who reimburses, retains, or employs the  registrant as a lobbyist; or (2) on whose behalf the registrant has lobbied;
  • Subject of the legislation or administrative action that the registrant is lobbying on and if applicable, the docket number or other administrative designation of the administrative action;
  • For each person employed or retained by the registrant lobbying purposes, their name, business address, occupation and the subject matter of the legislation or of the administrative action to which the person’s lobbying activities were related and, if applicable, the docket number or other administrative designation of the administrative action;
  • Amount of compensation or reimbursement paid by each of the lobbyist’s employers. Report in these categories: less than $10,000; $10,000-$25,000; $25,000-$50,000; $50,000-$100,000; $100,000-$150,000; $150,000-$200,000-$250,000; $250,000-$300,000; $300,000-$350,000; $350,000-$400,000; $400,000-$450,000; $450,000-$500,000; $500,000 or more. Must be reported as an exact amount if over $500,000.
  • If a registrant’s activities are done on behalf of the members of a group or organization, including a business, trade, or consumer interest association but excluding a corporation, include the number of members; name of each person in the group who determines its policy; description of the methods by which the group develops and makes decisions about positions on policy; and a list of those persons making a grant or contribution, in addition to or instead of dues or fees of more than  $250/year.
  • If registrant lobbies on behalf of a non-public corporation include the number of shareholders; name, address of each officer or member of the board of directors; name of each person owning 10 % or more shares.
  • If the lobbyist employer is a business entity engaged in lobbying, the registrant shall give identification information for each client on whose behalf the registrant lobbied.

The ethics commission can require state agency or state subdivision officials and employees who lobby to register with the commission with this information: officer’s or employee’s name, entity represented, subject matter of communication, other information the commission considers relevant.

Utah
36-11-103
LobbyistsFee: $25 license charge expires on Dec. 31 of each even-numbered year In Utah, instead of registering, lobbyists must obtain a license to lobby. The application asks for t his information:

  • Name, business address
  • Name, business address of lobbyist’s principals
  • Name, business address of the person who will pay the lobbyist’s registration fee, if not the lobbyist;
  • Any elected or appointed positions the lobbyist applicant holds in state or local government;
  • Types of expenditures for which the lobbyist will be reimbursed
  • Certification that the information is true and correct
Vermont
2-11-263
LobbyistsLobbyist employersFee: $25 plus $5 for each employer represented or lobbyist employed; biennially  Lobbyists:

  • Lobbyist’s name, address, phone;
  • Name of employer, date of employment for the biennium;
  • Description of the matters for which lobbying has been engaged;
  • If a lobbyist is compensated, in whole or in part, by an employer for the purpose of lobbying on behalf of another person, or group or coalition, provide the name of the employer, the name of the person, group or coalition on whose behalf he or she lobbies and a description of the matters for which lobbying has been engaged by the employer;
  • Current passport-type photograph of the lobbyist;
  • All subject areas for which lobbying is performed;
  • All lobbying firms shall file a listing of lobbyists who are employed by, subcontracted by or affiliated with the firm within 48 hours of commencing the activity.

Lobbyist Employers:

  • Name, trade name, address, phone of employer;
  • Contact person for the employer;
  • Name, address of each lobbyist employed; date of employment for the biennium.
Virginia
2.2-423
LobbyistsChief administrative official of state or local governments or agencies who lobbyFee: $50/year per principal
  • Lobbyist’s name, business address, phone.
  • Name, business address, phone of the person who will keep custody of the lobbyist’s and principal’s accounts and records required to comply with this article; location, phone of the place where the accounts and records are kept;
  • Lobbyist principal’s name, business address, phone, type of business;
  • For each principal,  name of the individual to whom the lobbyist reports;
  • For each principal, a statement whether the lobbyist is employed or retained and whether exclusively for the purpose of lobbying;
  • Position held by the lobbyist if a part-time or full-time employee of the principal;
  • Name, business address, phone of each lobbyist employed by or representing the lobbyist’s principal;
  • Identification of the subject matter of lobbying;
  • Signed statement that information is true and correct.
Washington
42.17.150
LobbyistsNo fee in statute Separate registrations for each employer.

  • Name, business address, any temporary residential and business addresses during session;
  • Name, address, occupation or business of the lobbyist’s employer;
  • Duration of his employment;
  • Compensation for lobbying; how much he is to be paid for expenses, and what expenses are to be reimbursed;
  • Whether the person from whom he receives said compensation employs him solely as a lobbyist or as a regular employee performing services other services as well;
  • General subject or subjects of his legislative interest;
  • Authorization from each of the lobbyist’s employers confirming such employment;
  • Name, address of the person who will have custody of the accounts, bills, receipts, books, papers, and documents required to be kept under this chapter;
  • If lobbyist’s employer is an entity whose members include, or which as a representative entity undertakes lobbying activities for, businesses, groups, associations, or organizations, include the name and address of each member of such entity or person represented by such entity whose fees, dues, payments, or other consideration paid to such entity during either of the prior two years have exceeded $500 or who is obligated to or has agreed to pay fees, dues, payments, or other consideration exceeding $500 to such entity during the current year.
  • Recent photograph, brief biographical description
West Virginia
6B-3-2
LobbyistsFee: $60 biennially Separate registration required for each employer.

  • Registrant’s name, business address, phone, temporary residential and business addresses phones used during session;
  • Name, address and occupation or business of the registrant’s employer;
  • Statement as to whether the registrant is employed or retained solely as a lobbyist or is a regular employee who performs other duties;
  • Statement as to whether the registrant is employed or retained under any agreement according to which any portion of the registrant’s compensation will be contingent upon the success of his or her lobbying activity;
  • General subjects on which the registrant will lobby or employ some other person to lobby;
  • Written authorization from each of the lobbyist’s employers confirming the lobbyist’s employment and the subjects on which the employer is to be represented;
  • Recent photograph and short bio.
Wisconsin
13.63-13.67
Principals who spend more than $500/year on lobbying expenses.Fees: License for lobbyists with one principal: $250; For lobbyists with two or more principals: $400.Authorization from lobbyist’s principal: $125.

Principal registration: $375.

Fees are paid biennially.

Principals:

  • Principal’s name, business address;
  • General areas of legislative and administrative action which the principal is attempting to influence;
  • Names of any agencies in which the principal seeks to influence administrative action, and information sufficient to identify the nature and interest of the principal;
  • For businesses, description of business activity; name of CEO. If an LLC, names of members.
  • For industry, trade or professional associations, description of industry, trade or profession including a description of any segment or portion of the group the entity represents; name of CEO; number of members.
  • For principals who are neither businesses nor associations, state principal’s nature and purpose, and approximate number of members.
  • Name, position and social security number of principal’s designee to sign registration form.
  • Identification of each legislative proposal, budget bill subject and proposed administrative rule number in connection with which the principal has made or intends to make a lobbying communication; or if that does not apply, each topic of a lobbying communication made or intended to be made by the principal.

Lobbyists:

  • Authorization form from each principal.
  • Lobbyist license (applications must include the lobbyist’s social security number.)
Wyoming
28-7-101
LobbyistsFee: $25 annually for those who receive pay or reimbursement over $500/period; $5 for others.
  • Name, business address of the individual registering;
  • Name, business address of the association, corporation, labor union, public, nonprofit or private special interest group the person represents.

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