Legislative Agent (lobbyist) Registration
Visit Legislative Agent Registration Page
Official language of the legislative agent registration requirements can be found in Section 2321.54 of the Columbus City Codes. This section is only intended to provide a brief overview of the registration process and requirements.
Led by the efforts of Council President Michael C. Mentel, Columbus City Council passed Ordinance 0315-2006, enacting the new Section 2321.54 of the Columbus City Code to implement registration requirements and procedures for all legislative agents. This requirement goes into effect in 90 days, on or about July 24.
The Columbus Lobbyist Registration provides greater accountability for those agents hired to lobby City Hall, while protecting the citizens’ rights to meet with and address City Councilmembers and the Administration at any time for any reason.
Who is required to register?
An agent/lobbyist is someone who is hired by another person or company to actively advocate on behalfas one of another person or company.his/her main purposes.
Who is exempt?
Exceptions include anyone simply speaking before council, statements made in news or professional publications, reporters gathering news, and any professional drafting services that write legislation.
Those also exempted from registering include elected labor leaders, CEOs and Executive Directors of for-profit and non-profit businesses or trade organizations, and public school officials or employees (including primary, secondary, and post-secondary). Please note, only elected labor leaders are exempt. If a union hires a lobbyist, that lobbyist must register
What is the process for registration?
Lobbyists register with the Clerk either online (www.columbuscitycouncil.org) or in person at City Hall. The lobbyist must report any individual or company that hires him/her to represent their interests before City Council or the Mayor’s Administration. The lobbyist must also indicate what piece of legislation he/she is lobbying for or against, if applicable. Lobbyists are required to update their information immediately when retained by a new client and every six months. The City Clerk will publish this information in the City Bulletin once a year or can print a copy upon request.
The cost of an individual to register is $45.00 per year. The lobbyist will need to fill out an initial registration form for each employer that engages him/her, but there is only a $45.00 charge once a year. Additionally, lobbyists are required to update their registrations every six months.
Who is exempt?
Exceptions include anyone simply speaking before council, statements made in news or professional publications, reporters gathering news, and any professional drafting services that write legislation.
Those also exempted from registering include elected labor leaders, CEOs and Executive Directors of for-profit and non-profit businesses or trade organizations, and public school officials or employees (including primary, secondary, and post-secondary). Please note, only elected labor leaders are exempt. If a union hires a lobbyist, that lobbyist must register
How is the registration enforced?
Enforcement is complaint driven and people can report violations to the City Clerk or the City Attorney’s Office. The penalty for violating this law is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree and can be subject to laws on falsification of information (1st degree misdemeanor).
View Ordinance 0315-2006 (
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