Local Lobbying Disclosure Rules in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh


The City of Philadelphia added a new chapter to the Philadelphia Code entitled “Lobbying”. It will go into effect on July 1, 2011. All persons deemed a "Principal" or "Lobbyist" must register with the Ethics Board within 10 days of first "acting in any capacity as a lobbyist or principal." "Principal" is defined as "any individual, firm, association, corporation, partnership, business trust or business entity: (a) on whose behalf a lobbyist influences or attempts to influence an administrative action or a legislative action; or (b) that engages in lobbying on the principal´s own behalf. "Lobbyist" is defined as "any individual, firm association, corporation, partnership, business trust or business entity that engages in lobbying on behalf of a principal for economic consideration. There is a filing fee of $500 and it must be paid on an annual basis. More information.

The Pittsburgh city´s ordinance went into effect on May 15, 2009. Lobbyists must register with the City Controller within 10 days after they begin to lobby. The annual registration fee is $100.
Ordinance
FAQ´s

Lobbyist Filing Fee Raised

The biennial filing fee will be increase from $100 to $200 effective on January 1, 2011. This corresponds with the beginning of the next biennial registration period.

PANO and PAR: Autism submitted comments opposing the increase in the biennial registration fee stating that it would be burdensome to their nonprofit organizations. Both groups pointed out that they have additional costs associated with registration besides the fee, such as personnel, office, operating and program expenses

Despite these strong objections, The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) determined that additional fees are necessary so that the Department can defray some of its administration costs. While the regulated community bears the burden of an increased fee, IRRC maintained that it is of utmost importance that the Department is able to continue administering the act. Unfortunately, the act does not provide the Department with the authority to treat nonprofit organizations differently from for-profit organizations. Therefore, the biennial registration fee increase must be the same for all organizations.

Biennial Filing Fee Increase Published in the July 10, 2010 PA Bulletin