Key Takeaways:
- Starting July 1, 2025, lobbyists in Idaho are going to have new reporting requirements, including changes to monthly reporting, communication disclaimers, and more.
- Executive Branch lobbyist employers in Kentucky will pay $250 more to register.
Starting July 1, 2025, lobbyists in Idaho are going to have new reporting requirements while Executive Branch lobbyist employers in Kentucky will pay $250 more to register thanks to actions by the Idaho and Kentucky legislatures.
Idaho Changes
On April 4, 2025, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed HB 398 into law which brings significant changes to Idaho’s Sunshine Laws.
Starting July 1, 2025, lobbyists in Idaho can expect to see the following changes:
- Monthly Reports. Idaho’s monthly reporting requirement during the legislative session will go year-round. Beginning July 1, lobbyist reports will be due on the 15th of each month of the year.
- 48-Hour Reporting. Any indirect lobbying expense (grassroots lobbying) of $100 or more must be reported within 48-hours.
- Communication Disclaimers. All public-facing communications reportable as a lobbying expense must include a clear disclaimer stating: "Paid for by [the name of the filing entity, lobbyist's client, or lobbyist's employer]." If the communication is made for the purpose of soliciting funds, the disclosure must also state: “This is an attempt to solicit funds”.
- Definition of Indirect Lobbying. Includes efforts to influence public opinion with respect to legislation, members of the legislature, or executive branch officials and encouraging the public to take action with respect to the legislation or officials outside direct contact with lawmakers, such as emails, texts, ads, social media posts, billboards, or canvassing.
The first reports due under the updated Sunshine Laws will be due August 15, 2025. No reports will be due June 15 or July 15, 2025.
Kentucky Changes
Kentucky’s HB 8 became law on April 10, 2024 following the General Assembly’s override of Governor Andy Beshear’s veto. Tucked inside of this 91 page appropriations bill is a brief but important section authorizing the Kentucky Executive Branch Ethics Commission to increase registration fees “for the purpose of funding a new online filing system.”
At the September 19, 2024 regular meeting of the Executive Branch Ethics Commission, the Commission voted to raise the registration fees for executive branch lobbyists from $500 to $750 per employer and real party in interest. These increased fees were effective November 1, 2024.
Renewals in Kentucky begin in July 2025 marking the first time anyone has paid the higher fee (Kentucky charges the registration fee when a lobbyist employer or real party in interest files its annual report in July rather than at the time of registration).
Need Compliance Help? Get In Touch!
Keeping up with rules, deadlines, and often confusing requirements is a daunting prospect for teams of all sizes. Let us manage your federal, state, and local registration and reporting responsibilities, or manage your Campaign Finance program. Read more about our Compliance Services here, or get in touch here.