subject: The Rules For Lobbying In Texas [print this page] The state of Texas has a comprehensive set of laws and guidelines to oversee the actitivites of professional lobbyists. The complete document is online at the Texas Ethics Commission website.
The following rules apply to all Texas lobbyists:
What is a lobbyist?
In the state of Texas, lobbying is defined as direct communications with members of the legislative or executive branch of state government to influence legislation or administrative action. See Govt Code 305.001, 305.003a. Direct communication includes virtually any kind of modern communication method that is directly between a citizen and a member of the legislative or executive branch of government. This includes email, phone conversations, telegraphs, letters, etc. Direct communication does NOT include newsletters or publications.
Although lobbying has received a lot of negative press of late, the truth is that lobbyists are a necessary and inevitable part of any democratic system of government. Our constitution guarrantees the right of private citizens to communicate directly with their legislators and politicians, both to make their concerns known and to attempt to persuade lawmakers to act in their best interest, using all legal means at their disposal.
What lobbyists must register with the Texas Ethics Commission?
Lobbyists must register in Texas if they receive more than $1000 dollars in a fiscal quarter as payment for their work. Lobbyists must register in Texas if they spend more than $500 lobbying for a cause or organization. If either of these are true, a lobbyist must register himself or herself with the Texas Ethics Commission.
Lobbying Reports
Texas lobbying registration requires a lobbyist to report compensation and reimbursement that you or your employer receives for services as a lobbyist. The income may be reported as received, earned, or prospective. Ongoing lobbying reports by registered Texas lobbyists must then be filed monthly unless you will make less than $1000 for the entire year, in which case you may file annually.
The Texas Lobbyist Database
Moreover, the Texas Ethics Commission has an online database of lobbyists that is searchable and open to the public. Users may search by lobbyist, company, and even run geographical searches. All lobbyists are listed along with their current clients and payment figures.
Although many peope have a negative opinion of lobbyists, most professional lobbyists support the work of the ethical oversight commission in Texas. Honest lobbyists who abide by the rules are a necessary part of our political process. Citizens have a LEGAL RIGHT AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY to communicate their desires and opinions to their legislators using all legal channels. We fully support a fair and open reporting of our lobbying activities and the good work of the Texas Ethics Commission in overseeing them.
