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HF2105 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Definitions related to lobbying amended, and certain lobbyist communications made exempt from disclosure requirements.

AI Generated Summary

This bill, H.F. No. 2105, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, proposes amendments to lobbyist registration laws under Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 10A.01 and 10A.04. It includes the following key provisions:

  1. Revised Lobbyist Definition:

    • Expands and clarifies the definition of a lobbyist, including individuals engaged in government relations consulting and those spending over $3,000 of personal funds on lobbying activities.
    • Exempts certain individuals from being classified as lobbyists, such as public officials, state employees, local officials, media professionals, unpaid volunteers, expert witnesses, and individuals lobbying for their own interests under certain conditions.

  2. Clarifications on Political Subdivision Actions:

    • Defines "official action of a political subdivision" as decisions requiring approval by elected or appointed officials involving public spending.
    • Excludes administrative enforcement and regulatory actions from being classified as official actions.

  3. Confidential and Privileged Communications:

    • Ensures that attorneys and other licensed professionals are not required to disclose legally privileged or confidential communications under lobbying disclosure requirements.
    • Provides protection for licensed professionals regarding reporting obligations that could violate confidentiality laws or professional codes of conduct.

The bill aims to refine the rules governing lobbyist registration, establishing clearer exemptions and protections for certain individuals while maintaining transparency in lobbying activities.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toState Government Finance and Policy
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toState Government Finance and Policy
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionMotion to recall and re-refer, motion prevailedElections Finance and Government Operations
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt and re-refer toState Government Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies exceptions and monetary thresholds for lobbyist registration requirements."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of 'Lobbyist' under section 10A.01.",
      "modified": [
        "Refines scope of activities and individuals excluded from 'Lobbyist' definition."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 21"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [
        "The application or administration of a statute, rule, or ordinance as part of official actions."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the definition of 'Official action of a political subdivision' under section 10A.01.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies actions by local officials requiring a vote or involving public money are included."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 26b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provision that exempts attorneys and licensed professionals from disclosing privileged communications."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "A new subsection is added regarding confidential and privileged communications under section 10A.04.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "10A.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 10"
  }
]

Sponsors