Lobbying Disclosure Act Guidance: What Do Lobbyists Have to Disclose?

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances, which includes activities related to direct lobbying and government advocacy. And while lobbying is key to shaping public policy, transparency about how public affairs professionals interact with policymakers and elected officials has become especially important.

Lobbyists who advocate directly on behalf of a client or cause must understand and comply with various federal lobbying regulations, including the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA), in order to legally and ethically influence policymakers.

The following guide outlines what you need to know about lobbying requirements, including activity limitations, disclosure reports, registration requirements, and the consequences of noncompliance.

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