During the 2026 session, Minnesota lawmakers passed an omnibus bill that significantly modifies the state requirements for lobbying reporting and disclaimers. Gov. Walz signed House File 4239 into law on May 18, and all the compliance changes detailed below became […]
During the 2026 session, Minnesota lawmakers passed an omnibus bill that significantly modifies the state requirements for lobbying reporting and disclaimers. Gov. Walz signed House File 4239 into law on May 18, and all the compliance changes detailed below became effective immediately. This guide breaks down the critical updates to principal reporting, lobbyist gift disclosures, and grassroots lobbying material disclaimers to help organizations remain compliant.
Key Updates to Reporting Requirements
House File 4239 introduces targeted changes to how lobbyists and their principals must track and report expenses and gifts to the state.
Principal Expenditure Reporting
The new legislation alters the list of expenditures that a lobbyist principal must account for. The most notable updates include:
- Added Requirements: Expenses for financial professionals have been added to the list of required expenditures.
- Removed Requirements: The requirement to include disbursements over $2,000 for paid advertising related to grassroots lobbying was removed.
Principals are still required to report expenditures in support of lobbying efforts for a wide variety of ongoing activities. These covered activities include advertising, mailing, research, consulting, surveys, expert testimony, finance professionals, studies, reports, analysis, the compilation and dissemination of information, communications, social media, public relations campaigns, and legal counsel.
Lobbyist Gift Disclosures
Lobbyist gift reporting has been streamlined under the new Minnesota law. The requirement to report the home or office address of the official receiving the gift, item, or benefit has been completely removed. Moving forward, gift disclosures must exclusively include the official’s name, professional title, and government jurisdiction.
New Disclaimer Rules for Lobbying Materials
To increase transparency, Minnesota now mandates a specific disclaimer on grassroots lobbying materials. This requirement applies whenever materials request the public to contact public or local officials to influence legislative action, administrative action, or the official action of a political subdivision.
The disclaimer must clearly identify the individual or association responsible for the content. Furthermore, it must provide direct contact information, such as a phone number, an email address, or a website.
Exemptions to the Rule
This indirect lobbying disclaimer is not universally required. Election-related advertising and membership communications are exempt from this specific mandate.
Disclaimer Formatting and Display Criteria
The law outlines strict visibility and duration standards for disclaimers based on the specific medium used:
- Written Advertisements: For materials such as printed mailers, the disclaimer must be printed in 8-point or larger font. The text must be in black or a high contrast color.
- Websites and Social Media: Disclaimers placed online must be clearly legible without requiring the user to adjust or magnify the screen.
- Audiovisual Advertisements: The video advertisement must end with the disclaimer displayed on the screen for a minimum of four seconds.
- Audio-only Advertisements: Disclaimers spoken on the radio or podcasts must be easily understandable to the listener.
- Signs: Disclaimers must be printed in black or high contrast text. The font size must range from 12-point to 6 inches or taller, depending entirely on the overall size of the physical sign.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Failing to adhere to these new disclaimer requirements carries significant financial consequences for individuals and organizations. The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board is officially authorized to impose a civil penalty of up to $3,000 for failing to include a required disclaimer on covered materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Lobbying Changes
When did the new Minnesota lobbying reporting rules take effect?
The changes to lobbying reporting and disclaimers detailed in House File 4239 became effective immediately after Gov. Walz signed the omnibus bill on May 18, 2026. Organizations must comply with these rules for all current and future covered activities.
What specific contact information is required on grassroots lobbying disclaimers?
The law mandates that the disclaimer must clearly identify the individual or association responsible for the content. Alongside this identification, you must provide at least one valid method of contact. This can be a phone number, an email address, or website contact information.
What needs to be included when reporting a gift to an official?
Under the updated guidelines, you only need to report the official’s name, their title, and their government jurisdiction. You no longer need to track or report the address of the official to whom the gift, item, or benefit was given.
Compliance and Real-Time Alerts For Minnesota
Navigating sudden statutory adjustments requires continuous vigilance to keep organizational advocacy aligned with state laws. If you want to ensure your compliance programs remain accurate under these new regulations, explore how tailored monitoring and advice can safeguard your operations by reviewing our Compliance Consulting and Alerts Services.
July 15, 2026 •
Kentucky Extends Executive Branch Lobbying Reporting Deadline
On July 15, the Executive Branch Ethics Commission voted to extend the deadline for filing Updated Registration Statements and paying registration fees due to issues with the new online reporting system. This applies to executive branch lobbyists, employers, and real […]
On July 15, the Executive Branch Ethics Commission voted to extend the deadline for filing Updated Registration Statements and paying registration fees due to issues with the new online reporting system. This applies to executive branch lobbyists, employers, and real parties in interest. The original deadline of July 31 was extended with no fines being assessed for delayed filing prior to September 30.
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KENTUCKY: The Registry of Election Finance issued a legislative update for changes effective July 15. House Bill 139 increases the individual per election contribution limit to candidates and per year contribution limit to permanent committees and contributing organizations from the […]
KENTUCKY: The Registry of Election Finance issued a legislative update for changes effective July 15. House Bill 139 increases the individual per election contribution limit to candidates and per year contribution limit to permanent committees and contributing organizations from the current $2,200 to $3,500. The increase matches limits for federal candidates and ties future contribution limit increases to adjustments made by the FEC. The bill also increases the maximum amount of cash contributions and anonymous contributions from $100 to $200. Contribution limits to executive committees and caucus campaign committees increase from $5,000 per year to $10,000 per year. The bill also changes the time to file reports from two days to seven days after the end of the reporting period.
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June 4, 2026 •
Illinois Legislature Adjourns
The second regular session of the 104th General Assembly adjourned early in the morning on June 1, in overtime. Lawmakers approved nearly 400 bills, including a $56 billion state budget. Major legislation sent to Gov. Pritzker includes legislation prohibiting the […]
The second regular session of the 104th General Assembly adjourned early in the morning on June 1, in overtime. Lawmakers approved nearly 400 bills, including a $56 billion state budget. Major legislation sent to Gov. Pritzker includes legislation prohibiting the discriminatory use of artificial intelligence in hiring and promotion processes.
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May 27, 2026 •
Minnesota Adjourns After Passing Omnibus Bill
Before adjourning the 94th Legislature last week, lawmakers passed an omnibus bill amending campaign finance and lobbying reporting. House File 4239 modifies requirements for disclaimers on campaign advertisements. The bill removes the requirement of including the official’s address when reporting […]
Before adjourning the 94th Legislature last week, lawmakers passed an omnibus bill amending campaign finance and lobbying reporting. House File 4239 modifies requirements for disclaimers on campaign advertisements. The bill removes the requirement of including the official’s address when reporting a gift and instead requires the lobbyist to include the official’s name, title, the government jurisdiction, and the date of the gift. The bill eliminates the requirement to report certain costs associated grassroots lobbying but requires a disclaimer on grassroots lobbying material, identifying the individual or association responsible for the content and allows for a penalty of $3,000 if the disclaimer is not included. Gov. Walz signed the bill on May 18, making the lobbying changes effective immediately.
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May 21, 2026 •
Missouri Passes Election Bill and Adjourns
The second regular session of the 103rd General Assembly has concluded except for a technical session on May 28 and the official adjournment sine die on May 30. During the session, lawmakers passed House Bill 1871, requiring all solicitations, except […]
The second regular session of the 103rd General Assembly has concluded except for a technical session on May 28 and the official adjournment sine die on May 30. During the session, lawmakers passed House Bill 1871, requiring all solicitations, except those from a connected organization of a continuing committee, to disclose what percentage of the campaign contribution will be received by the candidate, committee, or any other entity. The bill also requires donations to be one-time unless a donor affirmatively opts into recurring contributions. The bill permits a registered lobbyist to maintain a candidate committee designated to seek election to a county, municipal, or school board office, provided they are not registered to lobby the county, municipality, or school district. Gov. Kehoe must sign or veto legislation within 15 days after transmittal, or it becomes law without his signature with an effective date of August 28.
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May 19, 2026 •
Wisconsin Legislature Adjourns
The second regular session of the Wisconsin State Assembly concluded on May 14 without taking action on public school funding. Wisconsin’s K–12 public schools have gone without cost-of-living adjustments for the last 17 years. In response to Gov. Evers’ 400-year […]
The second regular session of the Wisconsin State Assembly concluded on May 14 without taking action on public school funding. Wisconsin’s K–12 public schools have gone without cost-of-living adjustments for the last 17 years. In response to Gov. Evers’ 400-year veto passed in the last budget permitting school districts to increase their per-pupil spending limit by $325 each year for the next 400 years, lawmakers passed Joint Resolution 116 to amend the constitution to prohibit the governor from using the partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee. The veto-tax issue will be on the ballot in November.
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May 8, 2026 •
North Dakota Adopts Travel Disclosure Rules
The North Dakota Ethics Commission adopted new travel disclosure rules, requiring all elected and appointed officials to file disclosure statements when receiving funding for travel. The rules require the official to disclose the purpose of the travel; the destination; dates; […]
The North Dakota Ethics Commission adopted new travel disclosure rules, requiring all elected and appointed officials to file disclosure statements when receiving funding for travel. The rules require the official to disclose the purpose of the travel; the destination; dates; funding source; the cost; and whether the expenses were for air transportation, ground transportation, lodging, meals, entertainment, or other activities. The governor and attorney general oppose the rules, claiming the state constitution does not permit the commission to create or impose penalties for ethics-related violations.
Comply with state and local procurement lobbying rules. Our online guidebooks make it easy to view regulations all in one place. Learn more here.
May 6, 2026 •
Missouri Ethics Commission Now Has Quorum
Gov. Kehoe announced the appointment of Clem Smith to the Missouri Ethics Commission. Smith has experience with civic and government roles in the St. Louis area, including as a state representative. The appointment fills one of three vacant seats on […]
Gov. Kehoe announced the appointment of Clem Smith to the Missouri Ethics Commission. Smith has experience with civic and government roles in the St. Louis area, including as a state representative. The appointment fills one of three vacant seats on the six-member commission, resulting in a quorum. Prior to the appointment, the commission was prevented from investigating many complaints for the last two years.
Comply with state and local procurement lobbying rules. Our online guidebooks make it easy to view regulations all in one place. Learn more here.
City Council passed an ordinance limiting contributions by individuals to City Council candidates, candidate committees, PACs, or any set of related committees to $2,825 during any election cycle. Contributions were previously unlimited. Under Ordinance 2026-093, the Citizens’ Tax Oversight Committee […]
City Council passed an ordinance limiting contributions by individuals to City Council candidates, candidate committees, PACs, or any set of related committees to $2,825 during any election cycle. Contributions were previously unlimited. Under Ordinance 2026-093, the Citizens’ Tax Oversight Committee will investigate violations of the campaign finance ordinance. The ordinance is effective June 3, and contribution limits will be adjusted per the Consumer Price Index every four years in the same manner as state contribution limits.
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May 4, 2026 •
Iowa Passes Campaign Finance Bill and Adjourns
The overtime session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 3 after lawmakers worked 34 hours to wrap up and head home 12 days after their scheduled end date. The delay was due to disputes over property taxes […]
The overtime session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 3 after lawmakers worked 34 hours to wrap up and head home 12 days after their scheduled end date. The delay was due to disputes over property taxes and the state budget. Lawmakers passed House File 2601, which prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to ballot issue campaigns and requires committees to obtain certain affirmations from donors regarding foreign national status and source of contributions. Gov. Reynolds has 30 days to sign or veto the bill.
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April 17, 2026 •
Kentucky Passes Bills and Adjourns
The 2026 regular session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 15, after lawmakers with a Republican supermajority voted to override over two dozen vetoes by Gov. Beshear, including bills on election laws, Medicaid, and budget matters. Passed […]
The 2026 regular session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 15, after lawmakers with a Republican supermajority voted to override over two dozen vetoes by Gov. Beshear, including bills on election laws, Medicaid, and budget matters. Passed bills include House Bill 757, codifying lobbyist registration fees for lobbyist employers and each real party in interest at $750. Lawmakers also voted to override the veto to pass House Bill 607 dissolving the Louisville Ethics Commission at the end of 2026, replacing all its members, and setting up a new appointment process. The bill also modifies procedures for redistricting.
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March 18, 2026 •
South Dakota Passes Campaign Finance Bills and Adjourns
Before adjourning earlier in March, lawmakers passed bills regulating campaign contributions and reporting. Senate Bill 17, effective immediately, prohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting any contribution or loan from a foreign national. House Bill 1201 amends the rules […]
Before adjourning earlier in March, lawmakers passed bills regulating campaign contributions and reporting. Senate Bill 17, effective immediately, prohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting any contribution or loan from a foreign national. House Bill 1201 amends the rules for bingo games and lotteries conducted by PACs and political committees. Senate Bill 142, awaiting the governor’s approval, revises political committee reporting to require an annual year-end statement in both odd and even numbered years. Lawmakers will reconvene for Veto Day on March 30.
Invite them out for coffee or a steak? Make sure you know the gift restrictions of your state or municipality. Request a demo of our online guidebooks today.
March 12, 2026 •
Indiana Passes Election Bills and Adjourns
Prior to adjourning for the year, lawmakers passed a bill amending the powers and duties of the Election Commission. Effective immediately, Senate Bill 233 permits the commission to administratively disband an inactive committee. The bill also removes the discretion of […]
Prior to adjourning for the year, lawmakers passed a bill amending the powers and duties of the Election Commission. Effective immediately, Senate Bill 233 permits the commission to administratively disband an inactive committee. The bill also removes the discretion of the commission with respect to certain civil penalties that may be imposed and instead requires the commission to impose the civil penalties. The bill requires the commission to assess a civil penalty of $500 or $1,000, depending on the violation. Lawmakers also passed a bill prohibiting ranked choice voting.
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