Q: We’re approaching the end of the year. What do I need to consider for 2025?

A: At the end of the year you will, of course, be planning which states will be your priority for the following year. A number of states having two-year registration cycles renew in odd-numbered years, so be aware you may have more registrations to file than you did last year. Additionally, Nevada’s legislature, which does not hold legislative sessions in even years, will be back in session in 2025 and will require registration if you will be lobbying there.

Registrations generally expire at the end of the year, and many states will allow registration renewals to be filed in December or January. There are a few states whose annual renewal lands earlier than expected, such as Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, some of which have unexpected penalties for failure to renew on time.

Are you choosing not to renew in some states? Then you will need to determine how that process works. In some states your registration will naturally expire at the end of the year. Others have ongoing registrations which require you to notify the state you no longer intend to lobby. Watch out for the states, such as New Jersey, which require you to file a renewal every year, but still ask for a notice of termination when your representation ends. Regardless of the state, you will need to file a final report, either as part of the termination process or as part of the normal reporting schedule, covering the period between your last report and the date your registration terminated.

One final note: many states will allow you to file a new registration for 2025 beginning in 2024. If you accidentally file your registration early, the state will count it as a 2024 registration, which will then obligate you to file a report covering the end of 2024. Sometimes you do intend to file a 2024 registration at the end of the year, but the state will assume it is a 2025 registration. Regardless of your intentions, make sure the state has correctly filed your registration.

Further information about the lobbying laws in hundreds of cities, counties, and local agencies can be found in the Lobbying Compliance Laws section of the State and Federal Communications website.