A report released by the Government Accountability Office reveals disclosure reporting terminology and reporting requirements are a challenge for some lobbyists. The 2010 Lobbying Disclosure Observations on Lobbyists’ Compliance with Disclosure Requirements also found some lobbyists lacked clarity in determining what constitutes a lobbying activity versus a non-lobbying activity. Generally, however, the findings in the report, which were substantially the same as prior reports, show lobbyists as a whole complying with disclosure and reporting requirements.

The GAO is required by law to prepare reports determining the efficacy of lobbying compliance and reporting, and identify any challenges to compliance. This is their fourth report.