NYC Lobbying Commission Preparing Preliminary Report

Gotham Gazette reports that the New York City Lobbying Commission is expected to release a preliminary report, possibly as early as this afternoon.

The Commission is expected to recommend:

– expanding the definition of when lobbying begins (the current laws define lobbying only as advocacy for bills that have been introduced, and do not include lobbying activities that occur before a bill is drafted);

– raising amount a group must spend to have their activity considered lobbying, from $2,000 to $5,000; and

– giving the City Clerk’s office that enforces lobbying rules discretion in setting the fines for those who do not report their lobbying efforts on time.

GG also reports that the Commission may also recommend creating a one-time amnesty program for first-time filers who should have filed in the past.

Once the report is reviewed in a public hearing, the Commission will make final recommendations that go to the Mayor and City Council, who then have the option of incorporating the proposals into legislation.