BRAD KETCHER(314) 259-1234

BRAD@KETCHER.COM

Missouri Lobbying Law

Definition

Lobbyist- any natural person defined under state law as a:

Legislative LobbyistExecutive LobbyistJudicial LobbyistElected Local Government Official Lobbyist

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Legislative Lobbyist

Legislative Lobbyist- Any natural person who attempts to influence any action or any matter pending before the legislature. In addition the person must meet the requirements of one or more of the following:

 Is acting in the ordinary course of employment in which the primary purpose is to influence the legislature

Is engaged for pay for such activitiesIs designated as a lobbyist; orMakes a total expenditure of $50 or more during a

calendar year on behalf of legislator/staff.

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Legislative Lobbyist: Exceptions

Solely….Responding to any request for information.Preparing or publication of an editorial, a

newsletter, newspaper, magazine, radio or television broadcast….

Testifying as a witness before the general assembly or any committee of the general assembly.

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Executive Lobbyist

Executive Lobbyist- Any natural person who acts for the purpose of attempting to influence the actions of the executive branch. In addition, the person must meet the requirements of one or more of the following:

 Is acting in the ordinary course of employment on behalf of that person's employer

Is engaged for pay in influencing the executive branch

Is designated as a lobbyist; orMakes a total expenditure of $50 or more during a

calendar year on behalf of executive branch official

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Executive Lobbyist: Exceptions

Solely… Appearing or inquiring about a complaint, citation, summons,

etc. Preparing, filing, inquiring about a public document or

responding to an auditSelling of goods or services, so long as attempting to influence

only the person authorized enter into a contractParticipating in public hearings on rules, grants, or other

mattersResponding to any request for informationPreparing or publication of an editorial, a newsletter,

newspaper, magazine, radio or television broadcast….Testifying as a witness before a board or agency of the

executive branch.

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Judicial Lobbyist

Judicial Lobbyist- Any natural person who attempts to influence any purchasing decision made by the judicial branch.

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Local Government Lobbyist

An “elected local government official lobbyist” is any natural person employed specifically for the purpose of attempting to influence any action by a local government official elected in a county, city, town, or village with an annual operating budget of over ten million dollars.

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Lobbyist Principal

A "lobbyist principal” is any person, business entity, governmental entity, religious organization, nonprofit corporation or association who employs, contracts for pay or otherwise compensates a lobbyist.  

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Volunteer Lobbyist

Missouri does not regulate unpaid lobbyists, unless they are specifically designated as “lobbyists” by a “lobbyist principal” or make more than $50 in expenditures on behalf of public officials during a calendar year.

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Not-for-Profit Staff Member

If a staff member is working to influence legislation or other government action and is compensated for their work, it is prudent for them to register as a lobbyist and make monthly lobbyist reports.

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Grassroots Lobbying

Missouri law does not define grassroots lobbying activity.

However, the statutory definition of “lobbying” includes acting to influence government officials, without distinguishing between direct or indirect contacts.

Cautious grassroots lobbying organizations should consider asking their compensated agents to register as lobbyist.  

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Lobbyist Registration

“Principals” do not register in Missouri. “Lobbyists” are required to file a Lobbyist

Registration Statement with the Mo. Ethics Commission.

Must register within five days of beginning lobbying; pay $10 fee.

The registration is effective for the current calendar year. Active lobbyists must renew their registrations by January 5th each year.

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Lobbyist Reporting

Reporting:Each lobbyist is required to file a monthly

report with the Mo. Ethics Commission. The report is filed electronically using the Commission's web based reporting system.

Timing:The report is due the 10th day of each month,

covering activities from the proceeding month. Late reports are subject to a late filing fee.

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Report Content

An itemized listing of the nature and amount of each expenditure by the lobbyist or principal made to or for a public official, such official's staff, employees, spouse or dependent children

The total of all expenditures when any of the following are invited in writing: The full Senate or House A Legislative Committee or Caucus

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Report Content (cont.)

Any expenditure made on behalf of a public official if such expenditure is solicited by such official, the official's staff, employees, spouse or dependent children

A statement detailing any direct business relationship the lobbyist has with any public official.

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Principal Reporting

Lobbyist principals do not register directlyIdentified by the registering lobbyistRequired to file by March 15th and May 30th

each year a general description of the legislation or action they support or oppose.  

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Reporting of Grassroots Lobbying

Unless grassroots lobbying activities result in expenditures on behalf of public officials, they are not reported.

Donations to a grassroots lobbying effort are not required to be reported under the lobbying law.

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Ballot Measures

“Direct Lobbying” Under Federal Law“Campaign Finance” Activity under Mo Law

Reporting of Contributions and Expenditures “Paid for By” Disclaimers on Printed Material Extensive Regulations

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Questions?20

Brad Ketcher(314) 259-1234brad@ketcher.com