Lobby and Ethics Reform: Lobbyist Disclosure

Issues: Free Speech Rights of Nonprofits

The July 16 version of the Lobbying Disclosure Act Guidance applies a more narrow interpretation of when events "honor or recognize" Members or Executive Branch officials.  The revised and new examples in Section 7 (particularly Examples 6-9) clarify that an organization is not honoring a Member or Executive Branch official just because he or she:  speaks at the organization’s event; is listed as an "honorary co-host" of an event; or is listed on an invitation as an "attendee" or "special invitee."  Also, an organization or employee lobbyist that buys a ticket to or a table at another organization’s event that honors a Member has not paid for an event honoring a Member and therefore need not disclose the payment.  Of course, the facts and circumstances of each event will determine whether the organization is honoring a Member or covered Executive Branch official. 

» Read More