The Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission has released Advisory Opinion No. 2011-1, providing for an interpretation of the lobbyist registration statute in regards to individuals who are officers or employees of a business entity. The Commission has determined these individuals must register as lobbyists if they meet with public officials and express opinions on potential or actual legislation that may impact the business entity.

Stacey Kalberman, Executive Secretary of the Commission, prepared the opinion, noting “the General Assembly drafted a broad provision which can only be interpreted to mean that any individual compensated by another, whether as a consultant or an employee, is acting as a lobbyist if such person attempts to influence legislation by the General Assembly.”

This opinion does not affect employees who may be conducting lobbying activities as an uncompensated volunteer, so long as they do not exceed $250 in expenditures.