Senator Craig Hickman introduces bipartisan bill to increase transparency in executive branch lobbying and attempts to influence agency rulemaking
AUGUSTA — On Monday, April 28, Senator Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, introduced bipartisan legislation to provide greater transparency about lobbying efforts of executive agencies in the rulemaking and competitive bidding processes. LD 1814, “An Act to Increase Transparency in State Government by Amending Laws Regarding Persons Attempting to Influence the Competitive Bidding Process and Lobbyist Reporting During Rule-making Processes,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.
“Responsible, representative government requires public awareness of the efforts of paid lobbyists to influence public policy making in both the legislative and executive branches of state government,” said Sen. Hickman. “Unfortunately, existing lobbying disclosure statutes do not require public transparency of lobbying activities with the executive branch during procurement and rulemaking processes. This bill will correct that inadequacy by requiring the disclosure of all efforts of paid lobbyists to influence state officials, which will increase public confidence in the integrity of state government.”
If passed, LD 1814 would require any individual involved in influencing the competitive bidding process (the process through which the State awards contracts or grants, also known as procurement) to register with the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. The said individual would also be required to provide monthly reporting to the Commission on their activities, compensation, and expenditures, which would be displayed by the Commission on a publicly accessible website.
LD 1814 also expands the definition of “lobbying” to include influencing the rulemaking process of the executive branch. The bill would require lobbyists to publicly disclose who they represent to the state agency they are in contact with and, should a lobbyist fail to disclose this information, they could face a suspension and fine of up to $5,000. This aligns executive branch transparency rules with those that apply to persons who seek to influence the legislative branch.
Additionally, this legislation requires a lobbyist or lobbyist associate who provides public comment on a proposed agency rule to disclose to the agency the name of the person or organization they are representing. This is the same requirement that applies to lobbyists testifying before a legislative committee.
LD 1814 faces further action in the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.
Sen. Hickman represents District 14, which includes Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner and Winthrop in Kennebec County.
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