JCOPE Issues Guidance on New Lobbying Regulations

The Joint Commission on Public ethics (JCOPE), the state’s ethics and lobbying regulator, has released a guidance document on the state’s comprehensive lobbying regulations that that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019.  JCOPE will also be holding a training session on the new regulations in Albany on Sept. 20th.

JCOPE’s document covers:

  • the difference between a Contractual Client and a Beneficial Client;
  • the new requirement that require filer to identify the actual name of the public official lobbied (or their office), or the legislative committee lobbied, as applicable;
  • an explanation of direct and grassroots lobbying, and when the use of social media is considered reportable lobbying activity;
  • reporting lobbying activity by coalitions;
  • reporting lobby day activities; and
  • the new rule that relieves some lobbyists – those that only use in-house lobbyists – of the requirement that they file both Lobbyist Bi-Monthly Reports and Client Semi-Annual Reports.

JCOPE indicates that they will be providing “more information about what Lobbyists and Clients will need to know about additional reporting requirements and the new and improved lobbying filing application set to launch in conjunction with the new regulations.”

JCOPE is also holding a training session in Albany on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 1:30 to 3:00 in Hearing Room A of the Legislative Office Building.  (The session will also be streamed.) Register to attend the program here.