Q: I am a registered lobbyist in Tennessee and my employer is planning to invite the entire membership of the general assembly to an in-state reception with food and beverages provided. Is this allowed and is there anything else I should know to make sure I am compliant with state laws?

A: Yes, the event is permissible, but there are important reporting requirements to follow.

Lobbyists and employers of lobbyists may provide entertainment, food, refreshments, etc. in connection with an in-state event to which the entire membership of the general assembly has been invited. For 2023 events, the cost per person may not exceed $73 per day.

The lobbyist or employer of lobbyist must file a copy of the invitation with the Ethics Commission at least 7 days before the event and must file an In-State Disclosure form within 30 days after the event detailing the per-person and total cost of the event.

The aggregate total of all in-state events is also reported on the semi-annual lobbyist employer reports.

Proper gift disclosure can involve more than simply including the gift on your normal lobbying disclosure report. It is always a good idea to check the jurisdiction’s specific disclosure requirements on our website prior to giving a gift.

Sammy is going into his third year at the University of Akron, studying Business with a minor in Public Relations. He’s pursuing this degree in hopes to one day be his own boss, and own a restaurant somewhere out west, preferably Denver or Salt Lake City. He’s also a huge fan of photography, weight lifting, and sports, playing football, lacrosse, and throwing shot put and discus.

Over his years being involved with scouts, Sam has been able to go to Colorado and climb Mount Antero, see Pikes Peak and zipline over canyons; go to New Mexico on a 12-day trek in bear country and try actual rock climbing, metal working, and many other activities; and has white water rafted in the New River Gorge in West Virginia. The only reason Sammy wants to move out west is to have the beautiful view of the mountains in his backyard, and have the ability to go climb a mountain any day he wishes.

Sam believes having the business skills to network, and read financial records properly is imperative to strive and be successful. He thinks this internship will better help him understand the inner workings of a business, which will be beneficial later down the road.

You can consider this Silver Anniversary—Part One. On July 1st, State and Federal Communications, Inc. will celebrate its 25th anniversary. WOW! That is a long, long time and I have been here every minute of it.

We are going to take the opportunity to celebrate this event in Akron, Ohio and in Washington, DC and I hope you can all join us.

Feel free to respond to this email and I will make sure you receive an invitation. We are looking forward to opening our doors to all of our clients and friends around the country.

Thank you…Thank you for always relying on our quality services and knowing we are here to make sure government affairs world a lot easier.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.