Lobbyist Loophole Closure Act
Representative Ramirez Proposes New Rules to Force More Political Consultants to Register as Lobbyists
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Representative Ramirez introduced a bill to make the rules for lobbyists much stricter. It targets people who help shape laws behind the scenes but currently don't have to tell the public who is paying them.
- The plan expands the definition of lobbying to include "strategic counseling." This means that if someone is paid to plan a lobbying campaign or give advice on how to influence a politician, they would be treated the same as the person who actually walks into the politician's office.
- The bill also changes the math for who counts as a lobbyist. Currently, you only have to register if lobbying takes up 20% of your time for a client. This bill lowers that to 10%, which would likely force many more consultants and lawyers to register with the government.
- By closing these loopholes, the bill aims to give the public more information about who is trying to influence government decisions. It would apply to all lobbying activities starting as soon as the bill is signed into law.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Small consulting firms, law practices, and public affairs shops that provide strategic advice to clients on legislative matters would face new registration and disclosure requirements. Many of these businesses currently operate below the 20% threshold or provide "strategic counseling" without making direct lobbying contacts. The lower 10% threshold and expanded definition of lobbying activity would increase their compliance costs and administrative burden.
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
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Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Lobbyist Loophole Closure Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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