An Act To Amend the Lobbyist Disclosure Procedures Law

Sec. 1. 3 MRSA §314, 2nd ¶,  as repealed and replaced by PL 1993, c. 691, §12, is amended to read:

A joint registration expires if the lobbyist or employer notifies the commission in writing that the lobbyist is no longer engaged by the employer to lobby. If termination occurs prior to November 30th, the notification must be given within 30 days of the termination.

Sec. 2. 3 MRSA §316-A, last ¶,  as enacted by PL 1993, c. 691, §17, is amended to read:

These forms must be signed by the employee and the signature serves as a certificate The employee must certify that the information entered on that the form is true, correct and complete.

Sec. 3. 3 MRSA §320, first ¶,  as amended by IB 1995, c. 1, §8, is further amended to read:

Fees collected pursuant to this chapter must go in equal portions to the General Fund and to be deposited into a special revenue account of the commission to be used for the purposes of administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter, including the costs of obtaining, maintaining and upgrading technology to facilitate disclosure of lobbying and campaign finance information to the public.

SUMMARY

This bill amends the laws governing disclosures made by lobbyists by:

1. Permitting a lobbyist to notify the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices of the termination of a lobbying relationship rather than requiring notice by the lobbyist's employer;

2. Removing the requirement that state employees must sign annual registration forms in order to facilitate electronic submission of registrations; and

3. Requiring the commission to deposit the entire registration fee paid by lobbyists and lobbyist associates into a special revenue account to be spent on administrative and technology costs to facilitate disclosure of lobbying and campaign finance information to the public.