State and local lobbying activity study and report to the legislature

Overview

In 2024 the legislature directed the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to study and make recommendations regarding whether Minnesota law does or should distinguish between activities that constitute lobbying of a public official and activities that constitute lobbying of a local official. The study requirement appears within 2024 Minnesota Laws, chapter 112, article 4, section 27, which states as follows:

Sec. 27. STATE AND LOCAL LOBBYING ACTIVITY; STUDY REQUIRED; REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS STAYED.

(a) The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must study and make recommendations to the legislature on the definitions of "lobbyist," "local official," "public official," and "official action of a political subdivision" for purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 10A. The study and recommendations must focus on whether the law does or should distinguish between activities that constitute lobbying of a public official and activities that constitute lobbying of a local official. If the study determines that a distinction between these activities is appropriate and is not adequately articulated within current law, then the board must recommend options for the legislature to consider in adopting that distinction by law. The board must submit a report describing the study, its results, and any associated recommendations from the board to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over campaign finance and lobbyist registration policy no later than January 15, 2025.

(b) Registration requirements under Minnesota Statutes, section 10A.03, for an individual attempting to influence the official action of a political subdivision that is not a metropolitan governmental unit are stayed until June 1, 2025. An individual who attempts to influence the official action of a "metropolitan governmental unit," as defined in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 10A, must comply with the registration and reporting requirements in Minnesota Statutes, sections 10A.03 and 10A.04. A lobbyist principal that is represented by a lobbyist who attempts to influence the official action of a metropolitan governmental unit must comply with the reporting requirement in Minnesota Statutes, section 10A.04.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

The Board recognizes the importance of hearing opinions and suggestions on this issue from the lobbyist community, representatives of political subdivisions, and organizations that are concerned about transparency and good governance. Please contact Jeff Sigurdson at (651) 539-1189 or by email at jeff.sigurdson@state.mn.us with any comments or questions regarding the study and report to the legislature.

Reference documents

Lobbying registration thresholds by state

Definition of lobbying by state

Review of exclusions and other lobbying topics by state

December 4, 2024 Board meeting

During its meeting on December 4, 2024, the Board considered testimony previously provided regarding its study, and a draft version of a report to the legislature.

October 25, 2024 public hearing

A public hearing was held on October 25, 2024, to receive testimony regarding whether Minnesota law does or should distinguish between activities that constitute lobbying of a public official and activities that constitute lobbying of a local official.

Written comments

Clean Elections Minnesota (CEM)

Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) - Original

Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) - Supplemental

Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA)

Sean Hayford Oleary

Michael Wojcik

Paige Rohman

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN)

Common Cause Minnesota

Public hearing video

Video of October 25, 2024 public hearing

August 19, 2024 public hearing

A public hearing was held on August 19, 2024, to receive testimony regarding whether Minnesota law does or should distinguish between activities that constitute lobbying of a public official and activities that constitute lobbying of a local official.