HB19-1248: Lobbyist Transparency Act

• Expands the definition of "client" to clarify that professional lobbyists employed by lobbying firms must disclose the actual client they represent, not just the firm name.

• Requires professional lobbyists to notify the Secretary of State within 72 hours during legislative sessions when they agree to lobby on new legislation or take a new position on a bill, including the bill number and whether the client supports, opposes, amends, or monitors the legislation.

• Requires registered attorney-lobbyists to disclose their lobbying clients to the same extent as non-attorney lobbyists and prohibits them from withholding disclosure based on attorney-client privilege claims.

• Directs the Secretary of State to convene a working group by July 1, 2019 to consider upgrades to the electronic filing system for lobbyist disclosures, with focus on public usability and transparency improvements.

• Appropriates $38,160 to the Department of State for implementation, with most provisions effective upon passage and new disclosure requirements for pending legislation effective January 1, 2020.