Philadelphia Lobbying Disclosure Ordinance
The new lobbying law requires that all persons deemed a "Principal" or "Lobbyist" engaged in lobbying activity to register with the Ethics Board within 14 days of first "acting in any capacity as a lobbyist or principal." (Where have we heard that before? LOL) The new law defines a "Principal" as "any individual, firm association, corporation, partnership, business trust or business entity: (a) on whose behalf a lobbyist influences or attempts to influence an administrative action or a legislative action; or (b) that engages in lobbying on the principal's own behalf. The new law defines a "Lobbyist" as "any individual, firm association, corporation, partnership, business trust or business entity that engages in lobbying on behalf of a principal for economic consideration. The term includes an attorney who engages in lobbying." Lobbying firms are included under the definition of "lobbyist." There is a filing fee of $100 and it must be paid on an annual basis.

Once registered, all registrants must submit to the Ethics Board quarterly expense reports no later than thirty (30) days following the end of the quarter. Similar to the State Lobbying Disclosure Act, expenses shall be allocated in the following manner: (a) the costs for gifts, hospitality, transportation and lodging given to or provided to City officials or employees or their immediate families; (b) the costs for direct communication; and (c) the costs for indirect communication.

The new law also requires that whenever any person makes an expenditure for indirect communication such as a mailing, telephone bank, print or electronic media advertisement, billboard, publication or education campaign, the communication shall clearly and conspicuously state the name of the person who made or financed the expenditure for the communication.

Contingent compensation for lobbying is prohibited and a lobbyist may not charge a fee or receive compensation based upon an understanding, either written or oral, that any part of the fee or compensation will be converted into a contribution to a candidate for public office or a political committee.

Any person who violates any provision of the new law or who makes material misstatements or omissions in any filing shall be subject to a civil penalty of $2,000 for each violation. Any person in violation of the law would forever be disqualified from holding any elected or appointed City office or employment with the City, its agencies, authorities, boards or commissions. In addition, any person in violation of the new law shall be punishable by debarment from any contract with the City for a period of up to three (3) years, or, unless a principal, prohibition from lobbying for up to five (5) years, or both.

Click here to download a copy of the ordinance (PDF)

[top]