H.R. 7231: Lobbyist Loophole Closure Act

This bill, titled the Lobbyist Loophole Closure Act, proposes amendments to the existing Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to broaden the definition of lobbying activities and the individuals who are required to register as lobbyists. The key components of the bill are as follows:

Expanded Coverage of Lobbying Activities

The bill seeks to revise the definition of what constitutes lobbying activities. It aims to:

• Include individuals who provide legislative, political, and strategic counseling services in support of lobbying as lobbyists.
• Change existing language within the definition to clarify that counseling efforts related to preparation and planning for lobbying are considered lobbying activities.

Inclusion of Counselors as Lobbyists

Individuals who provide counseling services and have significant influence or authority over lobbying contacts will also be considered lobbyists. Specifically, if they:

• Provide such counseling for financial compensation and
• Are aware of the lobbying contact made by another individual

They will be treated as if they made the same lobbying contact, thereby requiring them to register under the same regulations as other lobbyists.

Reduction of Exemption Threshold

The bill proposes to lower the percentage threshold that determines whether an individual must register as a lobbyist. Currently, individuals are exempt if their lobbying activities account for less than 20 percent of their work. This threshold would be reduced to:

• Less than 10 percent

Effective Date

The amendments in this bill would be effective for lobbying contacts made on or after the date of enactment of this act.

Relevant Companies

• None found