LobbyComply Blog

The 69th Legislative Assembly Special Session adjourned sine die on September 4 after passing House Bill 1628 to allow but regulate natural kratom and ban synthetic products. Lawmakers stopped short of completely banning all kratom, but state officials said it will remain unavailable in North Dakota until the new regulations are implemented. The next steps include Attorney General Drew Wrigley’s office writing and adopting rules for licensing of retailers. More kratom bills are expected when the 2027 Legislature convenes in January.

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National/Federal

Millions of Dollars in Secret Spending Could Upend the 2026 Midterms

Las Vegas Sun – Shane Goldmacher and Theodore Schleifer (New York Times) | Published: 8/31/2026

A New York Times review of advertising data, campaign finance filings, and tax records revealed that about $1 billion in anonymous money is moving through the political landscape in 2026, a staggering sum and yet almost certainly a low-end estimate, given how difficult this money is to trace. Dark money is the term used by the campaign industry to describe political spending by groups that hide the names of their donors. The deluge is upending races from coast to coast, with billionaires, corporations, and special interests hiding their agendas and involvement with relative ease.

House Censures GOP Rep. Chuck Edwards Over ‘Inappropriate Conduct’ with Female Staffers

MSN – Scott Wong (NBC News) | Published: 9/1/2026

The House overwhelmingly voted to censure U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards after an ethics investigation found he “engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers.” Edwards had rejected the Ethics Committee’s findings, but he did end his re-election campaign after the committee recommended censuring him.

Influencers Have a Lot to Say About Politics. Many Are Quietly Paid for It.

Seattle Times – Ken Bensinger and Stuart Thompson (New York Times) | Published: 9/1/2026

As more people spend time scrolling on their phones, campaigns view these shows of support from influencers as a vital way to reach voters. They are also significantly less expensive than traditional advertising. But unlike campaign mailers, billboards, and television spots, these messages fall into a legal gray area. There are no federal regulations requiring disclosure of payments for political support on social media, and only a few states have such rules. That allows influencers, in most instances, to endorse candidates for a fee without ever disclosing those payments in their posts.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Three Candidates Now Face a Criminal Probe Over Public Campaign Funding Fraud Allegations

Yahoo News – Caitlin Sievers (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 9/1/2026

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office is investigating three fringe candidates for statewide office facing allegations they falsely used voters’ information alongside fraudulent five-dollar donations to qualify for millions of dollars in public campaign funds. It has been reported that six Arizonans said their names and signatures had been used falsely by the three candidates so they could qualify for a total of more than $4.7 million in public funding. The voters also denied they had given any of the candidates money.

California – Cash Buried in LA Politician’s Backyard Helped Expose Marijuana Corruption Scheme

MSN – Richard Winton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 8/28/2026

When the “green wash” of legalized cannabis was sweeping across California, one local official tried to style himself as a gatekeeper for the new industry. Ricardo Pacheco, a Baldwin Park city council member at the time, began meeting with other elected officials and new marijuana sellers, offering his services to smooth the regulatory challenges, prosecutors alleged. Authorities determined Pacheco was soliciting bribes and dug up $62,000 buried in his backyard early in the case, marking the beginning of a corruption scandal that has spread through several communities. Pacheco and another member of the scheme were sentenced recently.

California – Legislature Approves Anti-Corruption Crackdown on California Lobbyists

MSN – Lia Russell (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 8/31/2026

California lawmakers passed a bill that would banish lobbyists convicted of corruption from the Capitol for 12 years. It now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature, three weeks before Dana Williamson, his former chief of staff and a powerful lobbyist, is set to be sentenced after she pled guilty to fraud and lying to the FBI. Assembly Bill 2592 requires lobbyists to undergo ethics training and certify when registering as a lobbyist that they have not been convicted of public corruption within the last 12 years.

New Mexico – Lawmaker’s Campaign Finance Reports Under Scrutiny After Public Nudity Scandal

Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 8/29/2026

Rep. Joseph Hernandez, who dropped his reelection bid after an embarrassing run-in with Chicago police, is facing new scrutiny over his campaign finance reports, which show a litany of questionable expenditures, from cash withdrawals to gift cards for unidentified workers and volunteers. Hernandez, who requested privacy for himself and his family after he was accused of running around naked at a Chicago hotel in July and banging on guest room doors, indicated in a statement that the accusations against him are overblown.

North Carolina – Despite Unexplained Donations, NC Election Board Kills Complaint About GOP Fundraiser

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 8/30/2026

The State Board of Elections in recent months has rejected a complaint filed by a campaign finance watchdog regarding a fundraiser the North Carolina Association of Indian Americans held for Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall in 2025. In February, the board said it lacked evidence to challenge the legality of the fundraiser, which a watchdog found had brought in more than $338,000 in contributions. Bob Hall, the retired executive director of Democracy North Carolina, also challenged some of the contributions, finding people who said they did not make the donations listed in campaign reports.

Ohio – As He Worked to Advance the Intel Project, an Ohio Senator’s Wife Was Invested in It

Yahoo News – Marty Schladen (Ohio Capital Journal) | Published: 8/28/2026

U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s wife had as much as $15,000 invested in the struggling Intel megaproject in New Albany as her husband worked to push it forward, financial disclosures show. At least since Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Husted to the Senate at the beginning of 2025, Husted has had communications with Intel about potential deals with other businesses to revive the project. Husted has also received thousands in campaign contributions from Intel lobbyist Josh Rubin.

Pennsylvania – Dozens of Former Pa. Lawmakers Are Now Registered to Lobby Their Old Workplace

MSN – Stephen Caruso and Jaxon White (Spotlight PA) | Published: 9/1/2026

At least 48 former members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly are now registered lobbyists seeking to influence policies they once shaped. They range from former rank-and-file lawmakers to the onetime most powerful members of the Legislature. Their clients span a range of prominent industries, often ones the lobbyist was once involved in legislating, a review of the state’s lobbying disclosure database shows. Efforts to tighten the reins on lawmakers becoming lobbyists have failed in Pennsylvania, despite bipartisan interest just a few years ago.

Greensboro City Council approved an ordinance to increase the gift threshold for nominal gifts from $30 to $50 per gift. Items  valued at less than $50 now fall into the exception to the gift ban for city officials. Resolution 2026-100 also amends and updates the city’s code of ethics and disclosure requirements for city officials. The new gift amount is effective immediately.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill limiting the maximum liability for late filing of campaign finance statements or reports. Senate Bill 1389 caps the current open-ended $10 per day liability for a late filing at an amount equal to the aggregate amount of any contributions, expenditures, and other amounts reported on the statement or report, or $100, whichever is greater. The bill becomes effective January 1, 2027.

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As summer begins to wind down, it is hard to believe we are already looking toward the final months of 2026. The year may have started with a fresh calendar and ambitious goals, but time has a way of moving quickly. Before we know it, we will be celebrating the holidays and preparing to turn the page to 2027.

That makes now the perfect time to pause, reflect, and prepare.

The final months of the year should not simply be about checking items off a list. They are an opportunity to look at what we have accomplished, what still needs our attention, and where we want to go next.

Start by looking back. What worked well during the first eight months of the year? Which goals did you accomplish? Where did you make progress that perhaps was not part of the original plan? It is important to recognize those successes—not just the things that remain unfinished.

Then look ahead. There is still plenty of time left in 2026 to accomplish meaningful things. Identify the few priorities that truly matter and focus your energy there. Sometimes the most productive decision we can make is determining what does not need to be done before the end of the year.

For businesses, this is also an important time to look at clients, employees, and finances. Are there opportunities that need to be pursued? Are there conversations you have been putting off? Does your team have the resources and direction it needs? A little planning now can prevent a lot of scrambling later.

And do not forget the people who helped make the year successful. The end of the year is a natural time to recognize employees, thank clients, and appreciate the relationships that contribute to our success. People remember being appreciated, and gratitude is one investment that always pays dividends.

There is also value in beginning the 2027 conversation now. What do you want next year to look like? What changes should be made? What opportunities should be pursued? What lessons from 2026 should influence your decisions?

We do not have to wait until January 1^st to begin planning for a new year.

Personally, the remaining months also give me a chance to slow down and make room for the things that matter outside of work—family, friends, travel, community, and simply taking time to recharge. A successful year is not measured only by what appears on a balance sheet or a list of accomplishments.

So, as we prepare for the rest of 2026, let us resist the temptation to simply rush toward the finish line. Let’s take a moment to appreciate how far we have come, focus on what matters most, and make thoughtful decisions about where we are headed.

Let us finish 2026 strong, prepare wisely for 2027 and, most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way.

Thank you.

EB

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The San Diego County Board of Supervisors recently passed a proposal addressing the topic of anti-corruption. The proposal directs the chief administrative officer to draft an ordinance imposing a two-year ban on post-employment lobbying. The proposal also directs the county’s conflict of interest code to be amended to prohibit designated officials and employees from trading prediction market contracts tied to any matter within their county duties or on which they hold nonpublic information. Officials and employees would also be required to disclose such holdings on their existing economic interest statements. The chief administrative officer has 60 days to submit a draft ordinance to the board.

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Make sure you understand pay-to-play regulations in your state. See all 50 states and nearly 300 jurisdictions in our online guidebooks. Check them out here. 

Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued an executive order convening a special session of the Legislative Assembly on September 2.  Lawmakers will consider enacting a statutory framework to regulate or prohibit the creation, manufacture, sale, and possession of kratom and kratom products.

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The New York Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) will hold its fourth annual public hearing on September 30. The hearing will allow public comment on the operations of the commission and laws the commission enforces. The hearing can be attended in person or through videoconference, and written comments will be accepted until October 7.

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National/Federal

White House Official’s Move to Oil Company She Aided Raises Ethics Questions

MSN – Ian Stevenson, James Bikales, and Scott Waldman (Politico) | Published: 8/21/2026

People milling around before a press conference in Santa Barbara, California, in June might have mistaken Brittany Kelm, a White House staffer, for an oil company representative. During the tour of oil facilities run by Sable Offshore, a company that owns an offshore pipeline which the Trump administration had recently helped to get oil flowing through, Kelm sported a Sable-branded cap and a Sable-branded shirt with her name embroidered on it. Less than three months later, Kelm would announce her departure from her job at the council to take over Sable’s Washington policy office.

Supreme Court Eases Path for Trump’s Sweeping Limits on Mail-In Balloting

MSN – Justin Jouvenal, Patrick Marley, and Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 8/24/2026

The Supreme Court eased the path for an executive order by President Trump that would impose sweeping new restrictions on mail-in balloting for November’s midterm elections, but the complex and fast-moving legal fight is not over. The executive order would bar the U.S. Postal Service from sending mail-in ballots to voters not on lists of citizens created by federal agencies. States also would be obligated to send the ballots in envelopes that can be tracked to thwart fraud.

GOP Appeals Campaign Finance Setback to Supreme Court

MSN – Ramsey Touchberry (Washington Examiner) | Published: 8/26/2026

Congressional Republicans will make a final attempt to gain a midterm spending boost against Democrats after an appeals court dealt them a blow by ruling coordinated ad buys between political parties and joint fundraising committees are not entitled to cheaper candidate rates. The Monday decision from the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which came in response to a legal challenge from Democrats, reverses part of a Supreme Court ruling in June that allowed unlimited coordinated spending between political parties and candidates.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Dan Sullivan Joins Dan Sullivan on the November Ballot in Confusing Alaska Race

MSN – Victoria Craw (Washington Post) | Published: 8/26/2026

Dan Sullivan, a retired teacher whose candidacy in Alaska’s open U.S. Senate primary sparked accusations of deception, has advanced to the general election in a move that is likely to spark further frustrations for the Republican incumbent – whose name is also Dan Sullivan. The development marks the latest twist in a saga that has seen Dan J. Sullivan accused of acting in bad faith by trying to confuse voters and split support for the Republican incumbent. Dan J. Sullivan has denied the claims, citing a genuine desire to effect change as the driving force behind his candidacy.

Arizona – Arizona AG Declines to Charge Gov. Katie Hobbs Over Pay-to-Play Allegations

Yahoo News – Jacques Billeaud (Associated Press) | Published: 8/21/2026

State prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs over allegations she took part in a “pay-to-play” scheme with a group home company that received a rate increase from the state after contributing $100,000 to her inaugural celebration. Hobbs has been accused of giving preferential treatment to Sunshine Residential Homes after the Arizona Republic revealed the company contributed to the inaugural fund and Arizona Democratic Party and later received a 30 percent payment increase. Only Sunshine and one other company were given increases during the 2022-2023 contracting period.

Illinois – Chicago Ethics Board Hits 1 Year Without a Leader, as Executive Director Retires and Election Season Begins

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 8/26/2026

As the Chicago Board of Ethics prepares to enforce the city’s ethics laws during the 2027 municipal election, it has been without a permanent leader for more than a year, and its longtime executive director, Steve Berlin, will retire at the end of August. In addition, the terms of two members of the board have expired, including Vice Chairperson Ryan Cortazar, who has led the board since former Chairperson William Conlon stepped down in July 2025. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s failure to name a new chairperson for 13 months has infuriated good-government advocates.

Michigan – Proposal to Ban DTE, Consumers Energy Political Spending Poised to Make November Ballot

MSN – Danielle James (MLive) | Published: 8/26/2026

A proposal seeking to ban for-profit utilities and some of Michigan’s largest corporations from spending on campaigns is poised to make the November general election ballot. The petition initiative was voted through the state House on Tuesday, a first step to rerouting the proposal away from voters. But Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks said her chamber would not vote to take up the ballot measure. Without further action, the petition is poised to clear a legislative review period and be placed on the midterm ballot.

Michigan – Detroit’s Top Legal Officer Faces Ethics Probe for Lear Role

MSN – Louis Aguilar (Detroit News) | Published: 8/21/2026

The Detroit Board of Ethics has ordered an investigation into the city’s chief legal officer for his lucrative position as a member of the board of directors for an auto supplier with a plant in Detroit, as well as whether he properly disclosed that his son works for the city. At issue is whether Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallet Jr. properly disclosed he is on the board of directors for Lear Corp. and whether that role is a potential conflict-of interest. Mallet was the city’s deputy mayor at the time the auto supplier received a multi-million-dollar tax-incentive deal in 2021 for building a new plant in the city.

New York – Lobbyists Are Still Feeling Good in Mamdani’s New York

City & State New York – Jeff Coltin and Annie McDonough | Published: 8/24/2026

Zohran Mamdani had just won the Democratic mayoral primary, and lobbyists were nervous. The man who could be leading New York City was an anti-capitalist. And for a business where phone numbers are currency, Mamdani was not a part of the scene. “People were concerned there was going to be a ban – they weren’t going to be able to get access,” said Diane Savino, who works as a lobbyist with Allied Government Affairs. But that has not happened.

Oklahoma – Ex-Vendor Sues Oklahoma Ethics Board Over Ethics System Replacement, Seeks $6M in Damages

Yahoo News – Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 8/24/2026

A Texas company countersued the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, alleging it suffered $6 million in losses after the agency ended a contract to replace the state’s campaign finance system. RFD and Associates claimed the commission unnecessarily terminated its contract and delays in the project were due to issues with provided datasets and unclear and changing expectations.

Alaska’s final special session to address a proposal for a natural gas pipeline came to an end August 25. Most legislators were absent from this most recent session and failed to agree upon or move forward with legislation advancing the pipeline. Special sessions can only be for up to 30 days, and both floor chambers cancelled the technical sessions scheduled for the final day. This does affect lobbying reporting. The final monthly legislative lobbying report is due September 30.

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Make sure you understand pay-to-play regulations in your state. See all 50 states and nearly 300 jurisdictions in our online guidebooks. Check them out here. 

National/Federal

ABC Sues FCC, Claiming First Amendment Violations, Escalating Months-Long Feud

MSN – Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 8/18/2026

ABC sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging the commission’s early review of its broadcast licenses is unconstitutional under the First Amendment. The network, along with parent company Disney, accused the FCC of waging a “retaliatory campaign” against them because the Trump administration disapproves of their programming. The lawsuit is an escalation of a months-long feud between the FCC, run by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, and ABC.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – This Mayoral Candidate Alleged Unregistered Lobbying. But Did He Do Just That?

MSN – CBC | Published: 8/13/2026

When Ottawa mayoral candidate Alex Lawson recently accused incumbent Mark Sutcliffe of having a “cozy relationship” with a government relations firm, his complaint focused in part on allegations of unregistered lobbying. But CBC News has learned that Lawson himself previously sent emails to several city council members without registering the communications. In January 2025, Lawson asked them for help to set up a training academy for residential construction, an industry in which he is involved as the owner of a home framing company.

Alaska – Votes Surge in Favor of Ballot Measure 1, Reinstating Alaska Campaign Contribution Limits

Yahoo News – Margaret Carmel (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 8/19/2026

Early returns from Alaska’s statewide primary election showed overwhelming support for a ballot measure which will restrict the amount of money that candidates can accept from groups and individuals. The early results, with nearly 94 percent of precincts reporting, are preliminary with thousands more ballots set to be counted in the coming days. Ballot Measure 1 would limit individual contributions to $2,000 for candidates and $5,000 for political parties and would limit groups to donating a maximum of $4,000 to candidates and $5,000 to parties.

California – San Diego County Supervisors Pass ‘Anti-Corruption’ Restrictions Tied to Prediction Markets, Lobbying

KPBS – Kevin Trevellyan (City News Service) | Published: 8/19/2026

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors passed a measure to restrict post-employment lobbying and prohibit some county officials from using prediction market platforms, such as Kalshi, for insider trading. The proposal asks staff to design a two-year prohibition on former officials and employees lobbying the county, including alternatives to close a “strategic consulting loophole” allowing them to direct lobbying campaigns without personally contacting lawmakers.

Colorado – Colorado Ballot Questions, Meant to Keep Special Interests in Check, Are Increasingly Created by Them

Colorado Sun – Colleen Selvin | Published: 8/18/2026

Between 1960 and 2024, Colorado had the third highest number of voter-initiated ballot measures, behind California and Oregon. Colorado’s 14 statewide ballot questions in 2024, half citizen-initiated and half from the Legislature, were the most in any state that year. But a process that Colorado adopted over a generation ago as a way for voters to challenge powerful interests and lawmakers’ prerogatives has increasingly become a tool for those same interests.

Hawaii – Ban Taxpayer-Funded Mailers During Elections, Ethics Chief Says

Honolulu Civil Beat – Ben Angarone | Published: 8/20/2026

Honolulu City Council members are allowed to spend taxpayer dollars touting their accomplishments in mass mailers, even close to election time when name recognition is a valuable commodity. But the Honolulu Ethics Commission’s new director, Dandy Ma, wants to make that practice illegal. Ma’s proposal would ban taxpayer-funded mass mailers within 60 days of elections.

Indiana – Ethics Panel Clears Braun Administration Official to Join Construction Firm, Lobby Lawmakers

Yahoo News – Casey Smith (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 8/13/2026

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s administration’s top contract-oversight official can immediately begin lobbying state lawmakers for a construction company after an ethics panel waived a one-year restriction on such work. The Indiana State Ethics Commission unanimously approved the waiver for Department of Administration Commissioner Brandon Clifton, who plans to become director of government affairs for Hagerman Group.

New Hampshire – Former NH House Speaker’s Nonprofit Collected $274,000 from Casinos with No Sign of Charitable Work

New Hampshire Public Radio – Catherine McLaughlin (Concord Monitor) | Published: 8/17/2026

Former New Hampshire House Speaker George Roberts Jr., who is a retired lobbyist, took in more than $250,000 in charitable gaming proceeds over the past seven years for an inactive nonprofit, a Concord Monitor investigation found. In January, Roberts accepted a nearly $131,000 check from one of the state’s largest casinos, the Nash. Despite its earnings, the Monitor found no evidence the organization has engaged in any public activity, such as holding an event or a meeting.

New Jersey – ELEC Defends Removal of Decades of Campaign Finance Reports from Website

New Jersey Globe – David Wildstein | Published: 8/18/2026

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) is defending its decision to remove decades of campaign finance reports from its website, saying the temporary restriction is necessary to prevent the disclosure of home addresses protected under Daniel’s Law. The records have not been sealed and may still be obtained by contacting ELEC or filing an Open Public Records Act request. But unlike the immediate access previously available online, agency employees must now review each request and apply legally required redactions.

New York – NY’s Government Oversight Entities Vulnerable to Politics, Fragmentation, Report Finds

MSN – Dan Clark (Albany Times Union) | Published: 8/11/2026

New York has myriad entities that oversee ethics in state government, but their work can be stunted by uncertainty over funding, political interference, and a lack of coordination, according to a new report. The findings are the result of an analysis from Reinvent Albany, a good government group, and students at the State Policy Advocacy Clinic at Cornell University. They examined the network of entities charged with preventing and addressing corruption and misconduct in state government to identify gaps that could be addressed through changes made by the Legislature.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced a special election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 22 following the resignation of Sen. Brian Birdwell to take a position as an assistant U.S. secretary of defense.  The special election for the unexpired term will be held on November 3.

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Voters passed Ballot Measure 1 by a landslide yesterday, reimposing contribution limits on individuals who contribute to state and local political campaigns. Five years ago, a federal court ruling effectively introduced unlimited spending by individuals in elections. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit held a previous 2006 ballot measure installed unconstitutionally low contribution limits with no mechanism for adjusting upward over time. Both issues have been addressed by Ballot Measure 1. Individuals can now give up to $2,000 to candidates and up to $5,000 to political parties. Groups besides political parties can give up to $4,000 to candidates and up to $5,000 to other parties or groups. Individuals can also give up to $4,000 to joint campaigns for governor and lieutenant governor, and groups can give up to $8,000. These limits may increase with inflation every 10 years beginning in 2031. The new contribution limits are effective January 1, 2027.

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Determining whether you must register as a lobbyist in Maryland depends on the type of advocacy, total financial expenditures, earnings thresholds, and communication methods. Registration triggers range from spending $2,000 on grassroots campaigns to earning $2,500 for in-person legislative advocacy.

Grassroots Lobbying Thresholds

If you engage in activities for the express purpose of soliciting others to communicate with state-level officials on government actions, registration is required once campaign expenditures reach $2,000 or more.

• Calculated Costs: This limit includes staff salaries, contractor fees, engaged services, and all operational campaign expenses.

Executive Action Lobbying Thresholds

Thresholds for executive action lobbying vary based on gift values, specific financial actions, and whether contact is made in person or virtually.

Gift Expenditure Threshold

• Registration is mandatory if you spend $100 or more on gifts for one or more state officials or employees, regardless of the executive action sought.

Procurement Contracts, Grants, and Loans

• Registration is required if you lobby to influence or secure a procurement contract, business grant, or loan valued at more than $100,000.

Regulations and Executive Orders

• In-Person Lobbying: If any communication takes place in the physical presence of an official or employee, registration is required if you earn $2,500 or more in compensation or spend $500 or more on lobbying efforts.
• Remote Lobbying: If advocacy is conducted exclusively without physical presence (via phone calls, emails, or virtual meetings), registration is required only if you earn $5,000 or more in compensation.

Legislative Action Lobbying Thresholds

Lobbying state legislators or advocating to the Governor regarding bill introduction follows strict physical presence standards:

• In-Person Communication: Registration is required if you earn $2,500 or more in compensation or spend $500 or more on lobbying while in the physical presence of an official or employee.
• Remote Communication: Registration is required only if you receive $5,000 or more in compensation when communicating exclusively through non-physical methods (phone, email, or virtual platforms).

Quick Reference: Maryland Registration Threshold Summary

Advocacy Category	Key Condition / Trigger	Registration Threshold
Grassroots Lobbying	Total campaign spending	$2,000 or more
Executive Action Gifts	Gifts to officials or employees	$100 or more
Procurement & Grants	Contract, grant, or loan value	Exceeds $100,000
In-Person Advocacy	Regulations, executive orders, or legislative actions	$2,500+ compensation OR $500+ expenses
Remote Advocacy	Strictly phone, email, or virtual communication	$5,000+ compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

What expenses count toward the $2,000 grassroots lobbying limit in Maryland?

All expenses incurred during a grassroots campaign count toward the $2,000 threshold. This includes compensation paid to staff, fees paid to contractors, and payments made for external services engaged to solicit public action.

How do in-person and virtual lobbying thresholds differ in Maryland?

In-person lobbying triggers registration at $2,500 in compensation or $500 in expenses. Virtual advocacy (conducted solely via email, phone, or video meetings) raises the compensation threshold to $5,000 and does not trigger registration on the $500 expense criteria alone.

Regulatory Resources and Compliance Services

Navigating state compliance rules requires careful evaluation of both your method and the subject of advocacy.

Subscribers can access comprehensive state guides in the Registration section of the Lobbying Compliance Guidebook at State and Federal Communications. Official statutory oversight and guidelines are maintained by the Maryland State Ethics Commission.