How to Become a Lobbyist in Pennsylvania

Lobbyists advance policies and agendas to political representatives. Unlike with medicine, law or accountancy, no laws protect the use of the term "lobbyist." This means that anyone can call herself a lobbyist, without receiving specialized training or certification. To become a lobbyist in Pennsylvania, however, you must register with the state's lobbyists disclosure registry.

Instructions

1. Register for a universal login with the Pennsylvania State Government (login.state.pa.us) if you do not already have one. This login can be used to access a variety of services offered by the state government.

2. Complete the registration with the Department of State's lobbying disclosure registry (palobbyingservices.state.pa.us). You will need to include basic information about yourself including your full legal name, your contact information and the name and contact information of your business, if you are registered as one.

3. Pay the $100 fee. This is the fee charged as of publication. You will need to pay this fee to renew the license every two years as well.

4. Update your account information with your activities as they take place. You will need to document all of your lobbying activities, including meetings with state officials, and provide records of your expenses. You can add this information to the registry using the same login, as need be.

Tips & Warnings

• If you earn less than $2,500 in any 3-month reporting period, you do not need to register as a lobbyist.

References

• Blank and Rome LLP Counsellors at Law; An Overview of Pennsylvania's New Lobbying Disclosure Act; Lawrence J. Beaser, Esq.; January 2007
• Pennsylvania Department of State: Lobbying Disclosure Registry