Bill > HB1542

This bill modifies Maryland's Public Ethics Law to enhance reporting requirements for regulated lobbyists. Currently, lobbyists must file quarterly electronic reports with the State Ethics Commission detailing their lobbying activities, but this bill adds a new requirement that these reports must now include a comprehensive list of each matter on which the lobbyist performed lobbying activity. Specifically, for each matter, lobbyists must provide a description of their position and either the specific bill number or a description of the legislative action they worked on. A "regulated lobbyist" is defined as an entity that meets certain thresholds, such as spending at least $500 on communications with government officials, earning over $2,500 in compensation for lobbying, or spending money to influence legislative or executive actions. The bill adjusts the reporting dates slightly and expands the level of detail required in these reports, which are meant to increase transparency about lobbying activities in Maryland. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving lobbyists and the Ethics Commission time to prepare for the new reporting requirements.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1542?ys=2025RS