Headlines at the national, state and local levels about lobbying activity have created greater pressure and scrutiny on lobbyists. More than ever before, lobbyists and their employees must be careful to register and report their activities in a complete and timely manner. Legal Support for Associations and Registered Lobbyists includes a number of links to services offered by Bricker & Eckler to assist with the legal complexities that lobbyists and their employers often encounter.

If you have any questions regarding any lobbying compliance issue please contact Maria Armstrong.

Resources Available

Lawyer/Lobbyist: When Exactly Do Legal Ethics Rules Apply?
November 2008
This is the first in a series of articles on the subject of legal ethics for the lawyer/lobbyist.

Lobbying Activity By Nonprofit Corporations: Benefits of 501(H) Election
October 2008
"Lobbying" v. "Partisan Political Activity". Understanding the critical difference can protect the tax exempt status of non-profit corporations. Read about available options in federal tax law to protect your 501(c)(3) tax exempt status while you safely participate in lobbing activity.

2007 Lobbying Handbook
The Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee - Office of the Legislative Inspector General has issued a new handbook as a reference tool for lobbyists.

City of Cincinnati Lobbyist Registration Requirements
January 2007
Bulletin on the City of Cincinnati requirement that all legislative agents and their employers register as lobbyists and file biannual statements reporting their ongoing lobbying activity.

Attention Legislative Agents and Executive Agency Lobbyists: New Updates to Ohio’s Registration and Reporting Requirements
September 2006
Bulletin outlining important changes in the requirements for registering as an Ohio legislative or executive agency lobbyist. The Joint Legislative Ethics Commission recently abandoned the old “three contacts” rule and set forth a clearer “percentage” standard for determining when an individual must register as a lobbyist.

City of Columbus Enacts Registration Requirements for Lobbyists
July 2006
The City of Columbus now requires that all “Legislative Agents” register their affiliation with the city clerk. Initial registration was required by July 23, 2006.