September 7, 2021 •
Update to BC ORL Registry for Certain Coalition Reporting
On September 9, the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists for British Columbia (ORL) will implement a change to its online registry that will allow for streamlining the process for declaring certain coalition activities. The change involves answering additional questions […]
On September 9, the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists for British Columbia (ORL) will implement a change to its online registry that will allow for streamlining the process for declaring certain coalition activities.
The change involves answering additional questions regarding whether a lobbying activity being reported was a jointly signed or endorsed letter sent on behalf of one or more of the organizations listed in the associated registration return as members of a coalition to which the organization or client belongs. Rather than being reported by each of the coalition member of a joint letter, the letter will only need to be declared once as a coalition activity and only reported once by the organization or consultant lobbyist that communicated the joint letter to senior public office holders.
According to the ORL, a change in the online lobbying activity report forms will be visible to organizations that have declared in their registration returns that the organization is a member of a coalition. The change will also be visible to consultant lobbyists when they prepare lobbying activity reports for clients, if they have declared in the associated registration return that the client belongs to a coalition.
If an organization has not declared membership in a coalition, this change does not affect them. This change also does not affect consultant lobbyists whose clients are not members of coalitions.
March 11, 2021 •
COVID-19 Government Funding Reporting for Federal Lobbyists in Canada
The Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada has released information concerning COVID-19 emergency funding and registration requirements online. Several key points are emphasized by the Office: communications with public office holders about the making, developing or amending of […]
The Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada has released information concerning COVID-19 emergency funding and registration requirements online.
Several key points are emphasized by the Office: communications with public office holders about the making, developing or amending of a government-funding program linked to COVID-19 are registrable activities; disclosure of any non-repayable portion of COVID-19 relief funding received¸ from any level of government entity, foreign or domestic, must be disclosed in a lobbyist’s registration; and updates to registrations are required no later than 15 days after the end of the month in which the funding was provided.
Examples of COVID-19-related funding programs include the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Business Account, and the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance.
The disclosure of funding by lobbyists is not limited to COVID-19 relief or to lobbying the federal government. Other reportable government funding includes all grants, non-repayable contributions, forgiven portions of government loans, and any other non-repayable funding.
Disclosure is still not required for repayable contributions, repayable portions of government loans, tax credits, refunds, exemptions, rebates, remissions of taxes, and payment of goods or services contracts.
Applying to a federal government funding program linked to COVID-19 alone is not a registrable activity.
March 9, 2021 •
Federal In-House Lobbyists Registration Threshold Increased
One of the federal lobbying registration thresholds for organizations employing in-house lobbyists has been increased. Now, an organization employing in-house lobbyists whose total expenses in connection with lobbying activities do not exceed and are not expected to exceed $14,000 in […]
One of the federal lobbying registration thresholds for organizations employing in-house lobbyists has been increased. Now, an organization employing in-house lobbyists whose total expenses in connection with lobbying activities do not exceed and are not expected to exceed $14,000 in the quarterly period is not required to be registered. The previous level was $13,000. This threshold amount is adjusted every four years based on the Consumer Price Index.
The threshold amount for lobbying firms remains the same. A lobbying firm or individual lobbyist whose total income for matters relating to lobbying activities on behalf of a particular client does not exceed or is not expected to exceed $3,000 in the quarterly period is exempt from registration with respect to such client.
Other determinations for registration include whether a lobbyist is an individual who, with respect to a particular client, makes more than one lobbying contact and whose lobbying activities constitute at least 20% of the individual’s time in services for that client over any three-month period.
March 5, 2021 •
Aurora, Colorado Ordinance Would Create Lobbyist Registration, Reporting Requirements
Aurora City Council member Angela Lawson is sponsoring an ordinance to create lobbyist registration and reporting requirements. Lawson’s sweeping proposals would require lobbyists to register their clients and income with the city and submit quarterly, detailed reports on their activities […]
Aurora City Council member Angela Lawson is sponsoring an ordinance to create lobbyist registration and reporting requirements.
Lawson’s sweeping proposals would require lobbyists to register their clients and income with the city and submit quarterly, detailed reports on their activities and financial motivations.
Lobbyists who do not comply with the regulations could lose the ability to influence city officials on matters from development to zoning rules, permits and city contracts, face possible expulsion and up to $2,500 fines per charge.
The rules would apply not only to lobbyists and the City Council but also to the city manager, staff, board and commission members, and presiding judges, among others. The city clerk would be responsible for deciding if rules have been violated and handing down judgments.
City Council members will review the proposal during their next regular meeting on March 8.
February 10, 2021 •
Puerto Rico Governor Establishes New Requirements for House of Representatives Lobbyist Registry
In furtherance of transparency, Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro R. Pierluisi passed an administrative order establishing registration and reporting requirements and creating new prohibitions for lobbyists and lobbyist firms engaging with the House of Representatives. Administrative Order 2021-03 directs the House […]
In furtherance of transparency, Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro R. Pierluisi passed an administrative order establishing registration and reporting requirements and creating new prohibitions for lobbyists and lobbyist firms engaging with the House of Representatives.
Administrative Order 2021-03 directs the House to create and maintain a registry in which persons and entities must register and report detailed information related to their lobbying efforts.
The administrative order establishes disclosure requirements in which lobbyists and lobbying firms must, at the beginning of contact with the House, provide the identity of the client or clients on whose behalf they are carrying out lobbying efforts.
No later than July 1 and December 31 of each year, the order establishes that every person or entity registered as a lobbyist must submit a report before a Public Notary.
The order also prohibits natural or legal persons from working as a lobbyist while a contract with the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico is in force and bans any natural or legal person who has been convicted or has pleaded guilty in the state or federal forum, or in any other jurisdiction, from lobbying the House.
December 15, 2020 •
JCOPE Extends Filing Deadlines to January 29, 2021
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) announced additional time to file registrations and reports due in January 2021. Any filing due in January will be considered timely filed if submitted by January 29, 2021. The extension is in response […]
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) announced additional time to file registrations and reports due in January 2021.
Any filing due in January will be considered timely filed if submitted by January 29, 2021.
The extension is in response to the breadth of changes to the lobbying regulations taking effect January 1, 2021, and the corresponding changes to the online filing system.
Additional guidance relating to upcoming registrations and verification of user profiles is expected soon.
The 2021-2022 Statement of Registration is expected to launch on December 16, 2020.
December 14, 2020 •
Hawaii Ethics Commission Publishes Administrative Rules, Lobbyist Training
The Hawaii Ethics Commission administrative rules on gifts and lobbying are now live. Additionally, optional lobbyist training sessions will take place on the mornings of January 6, 2021 and January 12, 2021 at 10 a.m. Title 21 of the Hawaii […]
The Hawaii Ethics Commission administrative rules on gifts and lobbying are now live.
Additionally, optional lobbyist training sessions will take place on the mornings of January 6, 2021 and January 12, 2021 at 10 a.m.
Title 21 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules provides greater clarity on lobbyist registration and reporting requirements of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and memorializes longstanding ethics commission advice.
Noteworthy rule provisions include the requirement that expenditures are reported on an accrual basis, and a lobbyist registration exemption for individuals who work behind the scenes to draft testimony, research, and work under the direction of a registered lobbyist without directly communicating with legislative or executive branch officials.
Lobbyists interested in attending either of the training sessions may register at: https://ethics.hawaii.gov/ethicstraining_schedule/.
December 8, 2020 •
Commissioner of Political Practices Increases Lobbyist Threshold Amount
The threshold amount a lobbyist can earn to trigger lobbyist registration in Montana will increase. The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices received approval for this increase to take place. The threshold amount for 2021 is $2,650, effective January 1, 2021.
The threshold amount a lobbyist can earn to trigger lobbyist registration in Montana will increase.
The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices received approval for this increase to take place.
The threshold amount for 2021 is $2,650, effective January 1, 2021.
December 8, 2020 •
New Mexico Launches New Campaign Finance Information System
New Mexico lobbyists and lobbyist employers may begin registering and paying their registration fees in the new Campaign Finance Information System available at: https://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us/#/index. Both lobbyists and lobbyist employers will be required to register and create an employer/employee relationship to […]
New Mexico lobbyists and lobbyist employers may begin registering and paying their registration fees in the new Campaign Finance Information System available at: https://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us/#/index.
Both lobbyists and lobbyist employers will be required to register and create an employer/employee relationship to comply with the new system.
To help with the new system, the Secretary of State’s Office will hold live, online webinar classes with a thorough overview and demonstrations.
Morning and afternoon sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Monday, December 14 through Wednesday, December 16.
December 3, 2020 •
Ohio Governor Signs Extends Expiration Dates for Licenses by State Agencies
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 404 into law, extending expiration dates for licenses issued by state agencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbyist registrations set to expire at the end of 2020 will remain active until July 1, […]
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 404 into law, extending expiration dates for licenses issued by state agencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lobbyist registrations set to expire at the end of 2020 will remain active until July 1, 2021.
Any lobbyist who does not plan to continue lobbying activity in 2021 must log in and terminate engagement in OLAC.
The new renewal registration window will open in late spring 2021.
All registered lobbyists will receive follow-up information regarding specific dates from JLEC.
This extension is limited to lobbying engagements registered prior to November 22, 2020.
New lobbyists submit registrations in the usual manner, within 10 days of engagement.
This extension does not affect the deadline for activity and expenditure reports required to be filed electronically in OLAC by Monday, February 1, 2021.
December 3, 2020 •
Lobbying Ordinance Voted Down in Memphis
Memphis City Council voted against adopting an ordinance requiring those lobbying the council to register with the city and name their clients. The ordinance would have required lobbyists to register annually and pay a registration fee of $50. The ordinance […]
Memphis City Council voted against adopting an ordinance requiring those lobbying the council to register with the city and name their clients.
The ordinance would have required lobbyists to register annually and pay a registration fee of $50.
The ordinance would have also subjected lobbyists to similar reporting requirements of those lobbying the Tennessee General Assembly and the Metro Nashville Council.
October 27, 2020 •
The Chinese Communist Party Influence Transparency Act Introduced to Amend FARA
On October 23, legislation was introduced in the U.S. Congress to amend and expand the Foreign Agents Registration Act to compel lobbyists for Chinese companies to register as foreign agents. The Chinese Communist Party Influence Transparency Act, introduced as identical […]
On October 23, legislation was introduced in the U.S. Congress to amend and expand the Foreign Agents Registration Act to compel lobbyists for Chinese companies to register as foreign agents.
The Chinese Communist Party Influence Transparency Act, introduced as identical bills in both houses of Congress by Rep. Mike Gallagher and Sen. Tom Cotton, would repeal the exemption from registration for persons, acting as agents of a covered Chinese business organization, providing private and nonpolitical representation of trade and commercial interests.
House Bill 8663 and Senate Bill 4843 would also remove the exemption for persons filing disclosure reports under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 in connection with the representation of business organizations organized under the laws of, or having their principal place of business in, the People’s Republic of China. The bill defines a covered Chinese business organization as an entity designated by the Attorney General as subject to the extrajudicial direction of the Chinese Communist Party or an entity organized under the laws of, or having its principal place of business in, the People’s Republic of China (including any subsidiary or affiliate of such an entity).
The legislation would become effective 180 days after enactment.
October 16, 2020 •
Yukon Lobbyist Registry Accepting Registrations
On October 15, the Canadian territory of Yukon’s new and first lobbying law came into force with the online Yukon Lobbyist Registry becoming live. Bill No. 23, the Lobbyists Registration Act, received Royal Assent on November 22, 2018, but only […]
On October 15, the Canadian territory of Yukon’s new and first lobbying law came into force with the online Yukon Lobbyist Registry becoming live. Bill No. 23, the Lobbyists Registration Act, received Royal Assent on November 22, 2018, but only came into effect this year.
Consultant lobbyists and in-house lobbyists are required to register. Registration is required for individuals communicating with a public office holder, directly or through grassroots communications, in attempts to lobby. Additionally, a consultant lobbyist is required to register when arranging a meeting between a public office holder and any other person for the purposes covered by the Act.
There are two revolving door provisions in the Act. For the six-month period after ceasing to be in office, a former public office-holder is prohibited from lobbying as a consultant lobbyist, but he or she is not prohibited from immediately lobbying as an in-house lobbyist. Additionally, a consultant lobbyist is prohibited from becoming an employee of Yukon’s public service for six months after terminating her or her lobbyist registration. Penalties for violations of the Lobbyists Registration Act include fines up to $25,000 for the first violation and up to $100,000 for each subsequent violation.
As of October 16, the lobbyist registry does not have any registered lobbyists.
October 9, 2020 •
Philadelphia Board of Ethics Announces Training Schedule
The Philadelphia Board of Ethics announced the 2020 lobbying training schedule. The virtual training will cover ethics rules, registering, and filing expense reports with the Board of Ethics. At this time, it is not mandatory to attend one of the […]
The Philadelphia Board of Ethics announced the 2020 lobbying training schedule.
The virtual training will cover ethics rules, registering, and filing expense reports with the Board of Ethics.
At this time, it is not mandatory to attend one of the 2020 lobbying trainings.
However, attendance at a training will be credited when the mandatory training provision takes effect for registered entities.
Registration for the lobbying training can be accomplished at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqd-6srj0tHdGweXo4WfNtm4z9H7yiRooO.
Questions regarding the schedule or training may be directed to the Board of Ethics at Lobbying@phila.gov or BOE.Training@phila.gov
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