The bill, H.F. No. 1949, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, requires the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to create and publish a handbook for lobbying on its website. The handbook must be written in plain language and include:

1. Lobbyist Registration Requirements

   • When a person must register as a lobbyist
     
   • Specific activities that count toward dollar amount thresholds in Minnesota Statutes section 10A.01, subdivision 21
     
   • How registration applies to individuals employed by government entities
     

2. Lobbying Disbursement Reporting

   • Activities and expenses that do not count toward dollar thresholds but must still be reported as lobbying disbursements
     

3. Differentiation in Lobbying Rules

   • Differences in lobbying the legislature, executive branch, political subdivisions, and the Public Utilities Commission
     

The board must regularly update the handbook to reflect law changes and must consult various lobbyists, particularly those from nonprofits, small organizations, and organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

This bill aims to improve transparency and accessibility of lobbying regulations for a broader range of individuals and organizations.