Compliance
Avoiding Pitfalls in Political Spending: A Compliance Checklist for Independent Expenditures
June 23, 2025 | Dylan Busler
Key Takeaways:
- July brings extensive compliance obligations with lobbying reports due in 36 states and 25 localities, plus federal deadlines in both the U.S. and Canada, creating one of the busiest reporting months of the year.
- Multiple filing requirements can coincide in states like New York, where lobbyists file bi-monthly reports while clients submit semi-annual reports, requiring careful tracking to avoid penalties from missed deadlines.
- Campaign finance adds another layer of complexity with 34 states plus federal and D.C. deadlines, while three states begin new lobbying registration renewal periods requiring immediate attention to avoid lapses in authorization.
Lobbying Compliance Deadlines in July 2025
July is packed with disclosure deadlines. Reports are due in 36 states and 25 localities, plus at the federal level in both the U.S. and Canada. See the map and table below to see all jurisdictions with deadlines in July.
In some states, like New York, different reporting schedules apply depending on whether you are a lobbyist or a client. Lobbyists are required to submit bi-monthly reports detailing their activities, while clients must file semi-annual and source of funding reports, due in July and January, outlining lobbying expenditures and relationships. These separate filing obligations can coincide on the calendar, making it critical to track and meet both deadlines to avoid penalties or enforcement actions.
Several states have time-sensitive reports. For example, in Wisconsin, an authorized person must report the bill, budget bill subject, proposed rule, or topic to the Commission within 15 days of the initial lobbying communication on behalf of the principal. This includes legislative topics that are not yet drafted.
Additionally, Georgia and Louisiana may require you to submit more than one disclosure report this month, depending on the level or branch of government you are registered in (e.g., executive, legislative, judicial, or local). Note that Georgia’s branches, or lobbying types, are slightly different (State, State Agency, State Transportation Board, Vendor, and Local).
U.S. Localities with Disclosure Reports Due in July 2025
*The City of San Jose requires weekly disclosure reporting.
As a reminder, lobbying in a locality can trigger registration and reporting requirements at the state level as well. In states like New York, lobbying any locality or municipality will require a state registration and state bi-monthly disclosure reports, even if you do not lobby at the state level. Make sure if you lobby in New York that you are registered with the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) to avoid hefty fines.
Reminder: Jurisdictions with Renewal Periods in July 2025
Starting in July, lobbyist registrations for the next lobbying period will open in three states and two localities. With renewals already underway, it's important to closely monitor your jurisdictions to avoid missing a registration deadline. The map below highlights which states have renewal periods opening in July.
U.S. Localities and Territories with Renewals in July 2025
Campaign Finance Deadlines in July 2025
In July, 34 states have campaign finance disclosure deadlines, in addition to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and the District of Columbia. If a political committee is registered in one of these states and is required to file disclosure reports, they must do so in July. Check out the map below for the states with important deadlines this month.
Political committees should be aware of their filing schedules. Some jurisdictions (Texas, for example) give the option to report monthly or quarterly. Also, be aware that some states require a political committee to report large contributions within a set time frame of receipt. Political committees should review contributions carefully to ensure they do not miss a required contribution- or expenditure-triggered deadline.
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.
