Transparency: Lobbying Reform

BACKGROUND

As active members of the Massachusetts community, we all want our voices - and those of whom we fight for – to be heard on Beacon Hill. You may already know that on July 1, 2009, Governor Patrick signed into law  “An Act to Improve the Laws Relating to Campaign Finance, Ethics and Lobbying.“

ONE Massachusetts is working closely with its partner, Common Cause Massachusetts, on efforts to increase transparency statewide, including ethics and lobbying reform. One ongoing effort is to educate non profits and individuals around the state about the new Lobbying Reform bill that will go into effect on January 1, 2010.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Who has to register – only direct lobbyists, or are folks included who perform research and planning for lobbying efforts and grassroots events?

The Secretary of State has published a worksheet - Are You Lobbying? - that should clear some of these types of questions up.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Judy Meredith for more information or to schedule a training for your organization.

Did the new legislation change the registration and disclosure deadlines?

No. Deadlines for filing registration and disclosure did not change with the new legislation.

Registration statements are due annually, not later than December 15th of the year preceding the registration year.

Disclosure statements are due bi-annually, on or before July 15th for the period covering January 1st - June 30th of that year, and January 15th for the period covering July 1st - December 31st of the preceding year.

How will these registrations take place?  

    Folks are also concerned about the fiscal impact, both on small nonprofits and on the Secretary of State’s office itself, which will take on more responsibility, but so far has no additional funding.

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES