Connecticut Senate Bill SB00474

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/10
• Refer: 3/12/10

Caption

An Act Defining Grass Roots Lobbying.

Impact

The proposed changes will have a significant impact on state laws governing lobbying activities. By clearly distinguishing between different types of lobbying and specifying the instances when communication would be classified as lobbying, this bill seeks to increase transparency in the legislative process. It will stipulate regulations that will apply to both individual and organized lobbying efforts, making it harder to avoid registration and disclosure requirements as previously practiced by many lobbyists. Moreover, the Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board is tasked with implementing additional regulations to ensure effective enforcement of these definitions and policies.

Summary

SB00474, also known as the Act Defining Grass Roots Lobbying, aims to clarify the definition of 'grass roots lobbying' as well as associated exemptions to the term 'expenditure'. This act will go into effect on October 1, 2010, and is intended to regulate the actions of lobbyists more effectively by defining specific criteria under which they operate. The bill redefines several terms related to lobbying practices, thus providing a clearer framework for what constitutes lobbying in the state of Connecticut. As per the bill, 'grass roots lobbying' is characterized as attempts to affect public opinion regarding legislative actions by encouraging constituents to communicate with their government representatives.

Contention

Controversy around SB00474 may arise from various stakeholders concerned about limitations on public advocacy and lobbying. Supporters argue that by defining lobbying more definitively, public integrity and ethics in government activities are enhanced, ensuring that lobbying is conducted transparently and ethically. Conversely, critics may view these definitions as restrictive measures that suppress the ability of individuals or groups to organize and express their views on legislative matters, thus limiting grassroots movements. There is also debate surrounding which types of communications should be exempt from the classification of lobbying, as these exemptions can influence how advocacy groups operate under these new regulations.