Lobbyist FAQs
State liaisons
Q1. What is a state liaison?
A1. A state liaison is responsible for any lobbying by a state official or employee on behalf of a state agency (Principal departments). Each state government agency designates one person as their liaison.
Q2. When must a state liaison register by?
A2. On or before January 15th of each year.
Q3. Does a state liaison have to pay a registration fee?
A3. No.
Q4. Does a state liaison need to file any disclosure reports?
A4. Yes, a state liaison is required to file a monthly disclosure report. This state liaison monthly disclosure report is different than what a professional lobbyist is required to disclose.
Also, a state liaison is not required to file an annual cumulative disclosure report.
Q5. When is a monthly disclosure statement due for a state liaison?
A5. Monthly disclosure statements are due at the same time as monthly disclosure statements are due for professional lobbyists, the 15th of the following month.
Q6. I need to file a disclosure statement. What information do I need?
A6. You will need the following information:
- State officials used by lobbyist;
- The number of hours spent lobbying and preparing to lobby. Use estimates, if needed;
- Amount of public funds expended on behalf of the department (other than salary); and
- Subjects and Bills.
Q7. What is a State Official?
A7. A State Official is an employee other than the registered state liaison who also lobbies on behalf of the principal department. State Officials must be added to the State Official List each fiscal year. Instructions for adding State Officials.
Hours are reported under the designated person responsible for the department's lobbying.
Q8. How do I add individuals (other than the registered state liaison) who are lobbying on behalf of a department?
A8. To add individuals:
- Log in to the online lobbyist system.
- Click on Manage State Officials used during this registration period.
- Click on Add, enter required information, and then click Save.
- Each individual entered will be listed on the “State Officials used this Registration Period” page.