LDA Definitions

Lobbyist: Any individual (1) who is either employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation (2) whose services include more than one lobbying contact; and (3) whose lobbying activities constitute 20 percent or more of his or her services’ time on behalf of that client during any three-month period.

Lobbying Activities: Lobbying contacts and any efforts in support of such contacts, including preparation or planning activities, research and other background work that is intended, at the time of its preparation, for use in contacts and coordination with the lobbying activities of others.

Lobbying Contact: Any oral, written or electronic communication to a covered official that is made on behalf of a client with regard to the enumerated subjects at 2 U.S.C. §1602(8)(A) (legislation, government programs, policy or positions, federal contracts or the nomination or confirmation of anyone to federal office). Note that certain contacts are exempt, such as congressional testimony and inquiries about government proceedings and actions.

Lobbying Firm: A lobbying firm is a person or entity consisting of one or more individuals who meet the definition of a lobbyist with respect to a client other than that person or entity. The definition includes a self-employed lobbyist.

Lobbying Registration: An initial registration on Form LD-1 filed pursuant to Section 4 of the Act (2 U.S.C. §1603).

Lobbying Report: A quarterly report on Form LD-2 filed pursuant to Section 5 of the Act (2 U.S.C. §1604).

Client: Any person or entity that employs or retains another person for financial or other compensation to conduct lobbying activities on behalf of the person or entity. An organization employing its own lobbyists is considered its own client for reporting purposes.

Affiliated Organization: An affiliated organization is any entity other than the client that contributes in excess of $5,000 toward the registrant’s lobbying activities in a quarterly period, and actively participates in the planning, supervision, or control of such lobbying activities.

Source: U.S. House/Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act Guidance (revised July 16, 2008).

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