2026 Legislative Session Dates
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Key Takeaways:

  • May lobbying disclosure deadlines are due in 25 states, 7 localities, and at the federal level in Canada, making it a busy month for compliance teams.
  • Some states like Georgia, Louisiana, and Ohio have multiple state lobbying reporting requirements in May depending on which level or branch of government you're registered with.
  • Local lobbying registration requirements can trigger state-level obligations—for example, lobbying any locality in New York requires registration with the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.
  • In May, 23 states plus the FEC have campaign finance disclosure deadlines that political committees must meet, with some jurisdictions offering monthly or quarterly filing options.

Lobbying Disclosure Deadlines in May 2026

State and Federal Lobbying Reporting Requirements

May is a somewhat busy month for lobbying disclosure deadlines as we continue moving through the second quarter. Reports are due in 25 states, 7 localities, and Canada Federal. See the map and table below to see all jurisdictions with deadlines in May.

Additionally, states like Georgia, Louisiana, and Ohio may require you to submit more than one disclosure report this month, depending on the level or branch of government you are registered to lobby.

Local Jurisdiction Lobbying Deadlines

U.S. Localities with Disclosure Reports Due in May 2026

State

Localities

California 

City and County of San Francisco

City of San Jose*

New Jersey

Jersey City

New York

New York City

Suffolk County

Ohio

City of Columbus

Washington

City of Seattle

*The City of San Jose requires weekly disclosure reporting.

State Registration Requirements for Local Lobbying Activity

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.

Campaign Finance Deadlines in May 2026

In May, 23 states have campaign finance disclosure deadlines, in addition to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). If a political committee is registered in one of these states and is required to file disclosure reports, they must do so in May. Check out the map below for the states with important deadlines this month.

Understanding Political Committee Filing Schedules

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.