ME LD1814

Creates new registration requirement for persons paid to influence state competitive bidding, requiring registration with the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices within 10 calendar days and monthly reports on compensation, expenditures, and contracts targeted

Registration fee capped at $250 annually per employer, with violations resulting in up to one-year prohibition from influencing the bidding process

Expands definitions of "lobbying" and "grassroots lobbying" to include communications with executive branch officials for the purpose of influencing agency rulemaking, in addition to existing legislative lobbying requirements

Requires lobbyists providing public comment on proposed agency rules to disclose the person or organization they represent and any compensated individuals submitting comments on their behalf

Establishes penalties for lobbyist disclosure violations including suspension from lobbying and fines up to $5,000; requires the commission to maintain a publicly accessible website displaying all registrations, reports, and employer information