October 15, 2019 •
Baltimore City Ethics Board Implements Online Lobbying System
In 2018, the Baltimore City Council enacted the Transparency in Lobbying Act requiring lobbyists to file reports twice a year and affirmatively identify their clients when approaching city government officials. The effective date of the act was contingent on a […]
In 2018, the Baltimore City Council enacted the Transparency in Lobbying Act requiring lobbyists to file reports twice a year and affirmatively identify their clients when approaching city government officials.
The effective date of the act was contingent on a viable online reporting system being implemented.
The Baltimore City Ethics Board has implemented the online lobbying reporting system.
Lobbyist registrations and reports can now be filed electronically.
The next year-end report is due on or before January 31, 2020, covering all of the reporting period immediately preceding January 1 through December 31, 2019.
The ethics board has advised persons that previously filed paper registration statements to submit the year-end report on paper and not electronically.
December 4, 2018 •
Baltimore Lobbying Bill Becomes Law without Mayor’s Signature
On October 15, 2018, the Baltimore City Council passed an ethics bill introduced by City Councilman Zeke Cohen. Ordinance No. 18-0230, also known as the Transparency in Lobbying Act, became law without the mayor’s signature on December 3, 2018. The […]
On October 15, 2018, the Baltimore City Council passed an ethics bill introduced by City Councilman Zeke Cohen.
Ordinance No. 18-0230, also known as the Transparency in Lobbying Act, became law without the mayor’s signature on December 3, 2018.
The ordinance requires lobbyists to file reports twice a year and affirmatively identify their clients when approaching city government officials. Additionally, any lobbyist violating the act may be banned for a period of three years.
An amendment was adopted delaying the effective date of the reporting provisions. As a result, lobbyists will file the annual report due January 31, 2019.
Following the 2019 annual report, lobbyists will likely report semi-annually beginning with a report due on July 31, 2019.
The bill will be effective March 3, 2019, while the section impacting reporting requirements will be effective March 3, 2019, or 30 days from a viable online reporting system being implemented, whichever is later.
October 24, 2018 •
Baltimore City Council Passes Lobbying Act
On October 15, 2018, the Baltimore City Council passed an ethics bill introduced by City Councilman Zeke Cohen. Ordinance No. 18-0230, also known as the Transparency in Lobbying Act, requires lobbyists to file reports twice a year and affirmatively identify […]
On October 15, 2018, the Baltimore City Council passed an ethics bill introduced by City Councilman Zeke Cohen.
Ordinance No. 18-0230, also known as the Transparency in Lobbying Act, requires lobbyists to file reports twice a year and affirmatively identify their clients when approaching city government officials. Additionally, any lobbyist violating the act may be banned for a period of three years.
An amendment was adopted delaying the effective date of the reporting provisions. As a result, lobbyists will file the annual report due January 31, 2019.
Following the 2019 annual report, lobbyists will likely report semi-annually beginning with a report due on July 31, 2019. The bill will become effective 90 days from the signature of Mayor Catherine Pugh.
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