Compliance
The Basics of Lobbying Compliance for Nonprofit Organizations
August 18, 2026 | Bradley Coffey
Key Takeaways:
- Lobbying disclosure reports are due in 19 states, 7 localities, and Canada in September 2026, with Louisiana and Ohio potentially requiring multiple submissions depending on the level of government.
- Lobbyist registration renewals expire at the end of September in Palm Beach County, Florida, making it essential to complete renewals before the deadline to maintain compliance.
- Campaign finance disclosure deadlines fall in September 2026 for 23 states plus the Federal Election Commission, with political committees needing to track both regular filing schedules and contribution-triggered reporting requirements.
- Lobbying at the local level can trigger state registration requirements, as seen in New York where lobbying any locality requires state-level registration with COELIG and bi-monthly disclosure reports.
As summer winds down, September brings a relatively light compliance calendar, with some legislative activities and reporting deadlines. Here are the states and localities to keep an eye on this month.
Lobbying Compliance Deadlines in September 2026
Reports are due in 19 states, 7 localities, and Canada (federal). See the map and table below to view all jurisdictions with deadlines in August.
Additionally, Louisiana and Ohio may require you to submit more than one disclosure report this month, depending on the level or branch of government in which you are registered (e.g., executive, legislative, judicial, or local).
Localities Requiring Disclosure Reports
U.S. Localities with Disclosure Reports Due in September 2026
State |
Localities |
California |
City and County of San Francisco |
City of San Jose* |
|
New Jersey |
Jersey City |
New York |
City of New York |
Nassau County |
|
Ohio |
City of Columbus |
Washington |
City of Seattle |
*The City of San Jose requires weekly disclosure reporting.
State-Level Registration Triggered by Local Lobbying
As a reminder, lobbying in a locality can also trigger state-level registration and reporting requirements. 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 that if you lobby in New York, you are registered with the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) to avoid hefty fines.
Lobbyist Registration Renewals Expiring in September 2026
At the end of September, lobbyist registrations in one locality expire. Registration renewals for the next lobbying year are currently underway, so you should pay very close attention to your jurisdictions to avoid missing a critical renewal deadline.
U.S. Localities and Territories with Expiring Registrations in September 2026
State |
Localities |
Florida |
Palm Beach County |
Campaign Finance Deadlines in September 2026
In September, 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 August. Check out the map below for the states with important deadlines this month.
Filing Schedules and Special Reporting Requirements
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states have lobbying disclosure reports due in September 2026?
Nineteen states have lobbying disclosure reports due in September 2026, along with seven U.S. localities and Canada at the federal level. Louisiana and Ohio may require multiple disclosure reports depending on the level or branch of government where you are registered, such as executive, legislative, judicial, or local.
Does lobbying a city in New York trigger state-level lobbying registration requirements?
Yes, lobbying any locality or municipality in New York requires registration with the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) and bi-monthly state disclosure reports, even if you do not lobby at the state level. Failure to register can result in hefty fines.
Which localities have lobbyist registration renewals expiring in September 2026?
Palm Beach County, Florida is the only locality with lobbyist registrations expiring at the end of September 2026. Registration renewals for the next lobbying year are currently underway, so it's important to monitor deadlines closely to avoid missing critical renewal dates.
How many states have campaign finance disclosure deadlines in September 2026?
Twenty-three states have campaign finance disclosure deadlines in September 2026, in addition to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Political committees registered in these states must file disclosure reports if required by their jurisdiction.
Do all political committees in Texas file campaign finance reports on the same schedule?
No, Texas gives political committees the option to report either monthly or quarterly. Additionally, some states require political committees to report large contributions within a set time frame of receipt, so committees should review contributions carefully to avoid missing contribution- or expenditure-triggered deadlines.
