New York Lobbying Bureau Announces Amnesty

The Lobbying Bureau of the New York City Clerk’s Office has announced that a six month amnesty will begin on January 1, 2016 for certain entities.

The amnesty, which was mandated by a 2013 city law, is intended to allow individuals and organizations who have never filed lobbying reports with the City Clerk to file without incurring any penalties.

New York City Clerk Michael McSweeney said:

“The one-time amnesty is a great opportunity for individuals and organizations that are not compliant with New York City’s lobbying law to come forward without incurring penalties. Many find the lobbying law intimidating and difficult to understand which leads to non-compliance. An amnesty was included in the lobbying law to promote transparency in government and to encourage people who interact with city officials to consider whether they are required to file lobbying reports.”