General

Q1. What is lobbying?

A1. Communicating directly, or soliciting others to communicate, with a covered official for the purpose of aiding in or influencing a variety of legislative, executive branch, or state agency activities. For the full definition, see section 24-6-301(3.5), C.R.S. Also, consult our Guidance Manual (PDF) for more information and examples.

Q2. What is not considered a lobbying activity?

A2. The following are not considered lobbying activities:

• Communications made by a person in response to a statute, rule regulation, or order requiring such communication.
• Communications by a person who appears before a committee of the general assembly or rule-making board as result of a mandatory order or subpoena commanding that person to testify.
• Appearances to give testimony or provide information to committees of the general assembly or at public hearings at state agencies or provide information at the request public officials or employees.
• Communications made by an attorney-at-law when communications are made on behalf of the client whose name has been identified.
• Communications that constitute the practice of law and are subject to control by the judicial branch of the state of Colorado.
• Duties performed by employees of the legislative branch.

Q3. Who is a covered official?

A3. A covered official is the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, a member of the General Assembly, the director of research of the legislative council of the general assembly, or any member of legislative council staff. “Covered officials” also includes members of any rulemaking board or commission, or a rulemaking official of a state agency.

Q4. Who is required to report?

A4.  Professional lobbyists, lobbying firms, and state liaisons are required to file reports with the Secretary of State’s Office. Clients are not required to report.

Q5. Where can the public obtain data?

A5. The public can obtain datasets from the Colorado Information Marketplace (CIM).

Q6. How do I conduct searches on the lobbyist database?

A6. To search the lobbyist database, select one of the following:

• Lobbyist
• Client
• Bill Number
• Manual Filings (scanned images)

Enter the required information based on the type of search you are doing.

Select search and if there are matching records they will appear in the search results. (Note: Use partial spellings in order to get more results when searching for a professional lobbyist or client).

Q7. Where can I go for additional information about lobbying in Colorado?

A7. Please consult our Guidance Manual (PDF) for additional questions related to lobbying in Colorado.