The Temporary State Commission on Lobbying monitors, maintains, and publicly discloses the identities, activities, and expenditures of lobbyists in their attempt to influence the legislative process. The Commission also collects, maintains, and discloses the records of appearance before State regulatory agencies. It is empowered to hold hearings and impose civil penalty fines on lobbyists for violations of the Lobbying Law. The agency is included in the Public Protection and General Government appropriation bill.

State Operation

The Executive recommends an All Funds appropriation of $1,287,000 for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2003-04 for this agency, reflecting a decrease of $143,000 or 10 percent from SFY 2002-03.

The decrease of $143,000 in General Funds can be attributed to a shift in nonpersonal services to the Special Revenue - Other Enforcement Fund (SRO).

Article VII

The Executive, proposes an increase in the lobbyist registration fee from $50 annually to $100 biennially effective on January 1, 2004. Effective in calendar year 2005, and thereafter, registration will be required on biennial basis and the accompanying fee will be $200.