Santa Monica City Council passed new rules on August 9 for implementation of the city’s lobbyist regulation ordinance.

The rules set out lobbyist registration requirements and registration fees. The ordinance will go into effect September 19, 2016 with an initial lobbyist registration period from September 19 through October 31, 2016.

The City Clerk’s Office is responsible for the implementation of the lobbyist regulation ordinance and can be reached at (310) 458-8211 or clerk@smgov.net.

City Council has directed staff to draft an ordinance to require all lobbyists and others involved in municipal business to register with the city.

Council broadened the original proposal by Councilmember Sue Himmelrich and Mayor Pro Tem Tony Vazquez to require registration not only for those benefiting directly from city business, but any entity weighing in on issues. Councilmember Pam O’Connor wants registration required for everyone from local neighborhood representatives with issues before City Council to paid lobbyists.

Following a unanimous vote, the Office of the City Attorney was directed to begin researching, but not to hurry the process.