§ 15-703. Registration with Commission

   (a) Registration required. --

   (1) At the times specified in subsection (d) of this section, each regulated lobbyist shall register with the Ethics Commission on a form provided by the Ethics Commission.

   (2) A regulated lobbyist shall register separately for each entity that has engaged the regulated lobbyist for lobbying purposes.

(b) Contents. -- Each registration form shall include, if applicable, the following information:

   (1) the regulated lobbyist's name and permanent address;

   (2) the name and permanent address of each other regulated lobbyist that will be lobbying on the regulated lobbyist's behalf;

   (3) the name, address, and nature of business of the entity, if any, that has engaged the regulated lobbyist for lobbying purposes, accompanied by a statement indicating whether, because of the filing and reporting of the regulated lobbyist, the compensating entity is exempt under § 15-701(c) of this subtitle; and

   (4) the identification, by formal designation if known, of the matters on which the regulated lobbyist expects to perform acts, or to engage another regulated lobbyist to perform acts, that require registration under this subtitle.

(c) Filing of authorization statement. -- If applicable, each registration shall include the authorization required by § 15-702 of this subtitle.

(d) Registration filing -- Time. --

   (1) A regulated lobbyist who is not currently registered shall register within 5 days after first performing an act that requires registration under this subtitle.

   (2) A regulated lobbyist shall file a new registration form on or before November 1 of each year if, on that date, the regulated lobbyist is engaged in lobbying.

(e) Fee. --

   (1) Each registration form shall be accompanied by a fee of $ 100.

   (2) The fee shall be credited to the Lobbyist Registration Fund established under § 15-210 of this title.

(f) Termination of registration. --

   (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each registration shall terminate on the earlier of:

      (i) the October 31 following the filing of the registration; or

      (ii) an earlier termination date specified in an authorization filed with respect to that registration under § 15-702 of this subtitle.

   (2) A regulated lobbyist may terminate the registration before the date specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection by:

      (i) ceasing all activity that requires registration; and

      (ii) after ceasing activity in accordance with item (i) of this paragraph:

         1. filing a notice of termination with the Ethics Commission; and

         2. filing all reports required by this subtitle within 30 days after the filing of the notice of termination.

   (3) (i) Subject to subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, if a regulated lobbyist is or becomes subject to regulation under this title as an official or employee, the regulated lobbyist shall immediately terminate the registration in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.

      (ii) After holding a public hearing, the Ethics Commission shall adopt regulations establishing criteria under which a regulated lobbyist may serve on a State board or commission.

      (iii) The regulations adopted under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph shall:

         1. establish a classification of State boards or commissions on which regulated lobbyists may serve;

         2. at a minimum authorize a regulated lobbyist to serve as an appointed member of an advisory governmental body of limited duration; and

         3. establish disclosure requirements for a regulated lobbyist who serves on a board or commission under this paragraph, that are substantially similar to disclosure requirements for members of the General Assembly.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 40A, § 5-102, 5-103, 5-107; 1995, ch. 533, § 2; 2001, ch. 631, § 2; 2002, ch. 405, § 2; 2003, ch. 283; 2007, ch. 200.