Denver Amends Lobbying Law: A Compliance Guide to Bill 26-0686

The Denver City Council has passed Bill 26-0686, significantly amending the city’s lobbying registration and disclosure requirements. Signed into law by Mayor Mike Johnston, the legislation expands the legal definition of lobbying, modifies registration deadlines, expands bi-monthly disclosure obligations, and increases administrative fees. Compliance officers, government relations professionals, and lobbyists operating in Denver must adapt to these legislative changes before they officially take effect on January 1, 2027.

Key Provisions of Denver Bill 26-0686

Bill 26-0686 introduces major structural updates to municipal ethics and transparency regulations. Government affairs teams should review the following key areas to ensure full regulatory compliance.

Regulation of Administrative Matter Lobbying

The legislation expressly brings administrative matter lobbying under official municipal regulation. Previously, Denver lobbying laws applied strictly to legislative matters. Under the new ordinance, lobbying communications regarding the following topics are regulated:

• Agency rules and regulations
• Land use and zoning decisions
• Mayoral activity on municipal bills and executive orders

Official procurement processes and standard marketing communications remain from these rules. However, this does not apply if a communication includes a specific request for action on a legislative or administrative matter.

Revised Registration Timelines and Expenditure Thresholds

Bill 26-0686 adjusts the timeline for initial registration. Current law requires lobbyists to register with the Denver City Clerk within five days of first engaging in lobbying activity. The new ordinance replaces that standard with updated criteria:

• Individual Lobbyists: Must register within 10 days of agreeing to lobby for compensation exceeding $1000 or after receiving more than $1,000 for lobbying services.
• Lobbying Entities: Must register within 10 days of compensating a lobbyist or employee more than $1,000 to conduct lobbying activities.
• Grassroots Organizations: Any person making grassroots lobbying expenditures exceeding $5,000 in a calendar year must complete lobbyist or lobbying entity registration within 10 days of crossing the threshold.

Expanded Bi-Monthly Disclosure Requirements

Reporting obligations for registered lobbyists and lobbying entities will expand under the new framework. Bi-monthly reports must now include disclosures regarding compensation received or paid for lobbying activities.

Additionally, filings must provide specific information regarding every legislative and administrative matter lobbied, including:

• Client name
• Covered official information
• A detailed description of the subject matter

Under previous standards, detailed matter disclosures were required only when reporting lobbying expenditures.

Fee Increases, Penalty Enhancements, and Ethics Restrictions

The updated law alters financial penalties, registration costs, and post-employment restrictions:

• Registration Fees: Fees for both individual lobbyists and lobbying entities will increase to $100. Previously, fees were set at $50 for individual lobbyists and $75 for entities.
• Reporting Violations: Penalties for late or improper reporting increase to $50 per day, capped at a maximum of $500.
• Non-Reporting Violations: May incur fines up to $999 per violation, in addition to potential administrative enforcement.
• Cooling-Off Period: Former elected officials and certain former covered officials are prohibited from engaging in lobbying for compensation for 12 months following the end of their term or employment.
• Mandatory Training: Registered lobbyists must complete required lobbyist training within 30 days of initial registration.

To review official municipal legislative records and council proceedings, visit the Denver City Council Legislative Portal.

Comparison Summary: Existing Law vs. Bill 26-0686

Provision Area	Existing Denver Law	New Law (Bill 26-0686)
Scope of Lobbying	Covers legislative matters only	Covers legislative and administrative matters
Registration Deadline	Within 5 days of first lobbying engagement	Within 10 days of
Lobbyist Registration Fee	$50	$100
Entity Registration Fee	$75	$100
Bi-Monthly Reporting	Detailed reporting required primarily for expenditures	Detailed reporting required for
Post-Employment Restriction		12-month lobbying ban for certain former covered officials
Lobbyist Training	Not specified	Mandatory within 30 days of registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When do the new Denver lobbying requirements take effect?

Bill 26-0686 takes effect on January 1, 2027. Organizations and individual practitioners should prepare to adjust their tracking systems and compliance schedules prior to this date.

How does Bill 26-0686 change the definition of lobbying?

The ordinance expands the definition to include administrative matters such as executive orders, mayoral bill decisions, agency rulemaking, and land-use or zoning decisions. Official procurement and marketing communications are unless they include a direct request for action on a legislative or administrative issue.

What are the penalties for failing to file lobbying disclosures in Denver?

Violations related to reporting carry a $ 50-per-day fine, capped at $500.

What is the new revolving-door policy for former Denver officials?

Former elected officials and certain former covered are subject to a 12-month cooling-off period. They may not engage in compensated lobbying activities for one full year after leaving office or ending employment with the city.

Stay Ahead of Municipal Compliance

Navigating shifting compliance regulations across local, state, federal, and international jurisdictions requires up-to-date legal intelligence and proactive monitoring. To manage municipal lobbying compliance and stay informed on regulatory developments across North America, explore the compliance tools available at State and Federal Communications.