HI HB511

Amends the definition of "expenditure" to exclude intrastate travel costs (including meals and lodging) and amounts spent by nonprofit organizations to prepare grant applications under chapter 42F and lobby up to 10 hours monthly on those applications.

Redefines "lobbyist" to require registration based on receiving $1,000 or more in compensation annually for lobbying, or engaging in lobbying for more than 5 hours in any month or 10 hours in any calendar year on behalf of another person.

Allows a lobbyist's employer or contractor to file a notice of termination on the lobbyist's behalf if the lobbyist fails to do so within 10 days of ceasing lobbying activities.

Requires the state ethics commission to post all lobbyist registration statements on its website within a reasonable time after filing, with statements remaining posted for at least four years.

Increases the maximum administrative fine for violations of lobbying laws from $500 to $1,000 per violation and modifies special session expenditure reporting requirements to apply only to persons engaging in lobbying during that session.