Is lobbying illegal in Texas?
Chapter 305 of the Government Code requires a person who crosses either a compensation or expenditure threshold to register with the Commission and to file periodic reports of lobbying activity. This lobby law is administered and enforced by the Commission.
What must be reported by lobbyists?
Lobbyists’ employers required to file statements quarterly containing: 1) the name, business address and telephone number of the person making the report; 2) the nature and interests of the person making the report; 3) total amount of payments made to influence legislative or administrative action, and each person to …
How do I become a registered lobbyist in Texas?
Filing of the lobby registration form with the Texas Ethics Commission within five days of first making a direct communication with a member of the legislative or executive branch that requires registration. Payment of $150 (nonprofit), or $750 fee (other lobbyists) to Texas Ethics Commission.
How many registered lobbyists are in Texas?
Interests lobbying the Texas legislature
| In Session (2009) | Out of Session (2008) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Interests Represented | 2,866 | 2,295 |
| Number of Registered Lobbyists | 1,690 | 1,463 |
| Lobbyists per Legislator | 9 | 8 |
| Total Lobbyist Contract Compensation | $255 million | $207 million |
Who regulates lobbying in Texas?
the Ethics Commission
This lobby law is administered and enforced by the Ethics Commission. Rules that the Ethics Commission has adopted under the lobby law are in Chapter 34 of title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code (T.A.C.).
Who oversees lobbyist activities in Texas?
The state Ethics Commission oversees the lobby law. The eight-member commission needs at least six votes to move forward with an enforcement action.
Do lobbyists have to disclose?
The IRC requires an organization to disclose all lobbying expenses covered by that definition, including grassroots lobbying and federal, state and local government lobbying. 3 However, these expenses are not required to be itemized, meaning that one can not determine the amount spent on certain activities or clients.
Which of the following are lobbyists not required by federal law to disclose?
Which of the following are lobbyists not required by federal law to disclose? leadership, money, an agency or office, and members.
How does Texas regulate lobbyist?
Under the law, lobbyists are individuals or entities paid or reimbursed $1,000 or more, or spending $500 or more, for such communications in a calendar year. Anyone exceeding these thresholds must register with the Texas Ethics Commission and provide periodic accounts of their lobbying activities.
What is a lobbyist in Texas?
Lobbying is making direct communications with members of the legislative or executive branch of Texas state government to influence legislation or administrative action. Determine whether you are required to register as a lobbyist.