Bill > H3319

This bill introduces comprehensive regulations for municipal lobbying in cities with over 150,000 inhabitants. It defines new terms such as "covered municipal official" (which includes mayors, city managers, city councilors, school committee members, and municipal department heads) and "municipal agent" (a person who engages in lobbying communications with government employees for compensation). The bill requires municipal agents to register with the state secretary, pay an annual $50 filing fee, and submit detailed semi-annual reports disclosing their lobbying activities, including the specific legislation or governmental actions they are trying to influence, their clients, compensation received, and any direct business associations with public officials. The legislation prohibits municipal lobbying on a contingency basis (where payment depends on the outcome) and mandates that groups spending over $250 annually on municipal lobbying must also register and report their expenditures. These new reporting requirements aim to increase transparency in local government decision-making by requiring detailed disclosure of lobbying efforts and financial contributions related to municipal policy and procurement.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3319