MS SB2402

Eliminates the 5-day grace period for lobbyist registration, requiring lobbyists and their clients to file registration statements with the Secretary of State prior to engaging in any lobbying activities rather than within 5 days after

Creates "The Amy Act" (new subsection 5 of Section 5-8-17), which subjects unregistered lobbyists to civil penalties for failing to register before lobbying

Penalties for unregistered lobbying mirror existing late-filing penalties: $50 per day starting on the 10th calendar day after the Secretary of State's notice, up to a maximum of 10 days ($500 total)

Maintains the $25 registration fee per client and requires registration statements to include lobbyist contact information, client business details, and specific descriptions of issues being advocated

Takes effect July 1, 2026