Individuals who lobby the Palm Beach County School Board or top school district administrators are now required to register and disclose their activity. The School Board approved the new policy this week after more than a year of development.

The policy targets professional lobbyists hired by businesses while exempting unions, parent groups, sales representatives, and those lobbying on behalf of their own companies. Lobbyists are also prohibited from providing gifts in excess of $50.

Registration is required prior to engaging in lobbying and expires each year on June 30. A statement of expenditures must be filed on or before August 1 and lobbyists must sign an appearance log prior to each visit with the School Board.