Is there anything due after the law takes effect (July 1, 2025)?
The first regular monthly report will be due on August 15th. That will be your July Report, but you should also include reportable activity from May and June. There are no other immediate obligations for lobbyists.
However, indirect lobbying is also reported outside of the regular monthly reports under the new law. Indirect lobbying expenditures of $100 or more are required to be reported within 48 hours. In addition to the 48-hour report, these expenses will be included in your regular monthly report.
How do I report May and June activity?
The first monthly report, due August 15, should include all activity from May and June. There will not be separate reports for May or June – those months should be included in your July report.
Do I have to report monthly? What if I’m a state entity or an executive branch lobbyist?
Yes. All lobbyists must report monthly after July 1, 2025, including executive-branch lobbyists and state entities. Registered state entities will now report the same information as lobbyists. They will report policy issues and bills, in addition to expenditures.
Do I need to file an annual report? What if I already filed an annual report?
No. Starting in 2025, you do not need to file annual reports. If you have already filed an annual report, no further action is needed. The report will be retained in your portal and public record.
What if I have no activity most of the year? Do I still need to file a report?
All lobbyists, regardless of activity, are required to report monthly. We are incorporating a streamlined way to file a “no activity” report for those periods during which you have nothing to report. Stay tuned for updates.
What is indirect lobbying? Why do I have to report it?
Indirect lobbying is defined in I.C. § 74-702(6) as “attempting to influence the opinion of the public with respect to legislation, members of the legislature, or executive officials and encouraging the members of the public to take action with respect to such legislation or individuals.”
These efforts—such as billboards, mass texts, door-to-door campaigns, or digital ads—are designed to encourage constituents to influence their legislators. Indirect lobbying expenditures aim to sway public officials in their official capacity and are considered advocacy efforts. Under the new law, they are reported along with other lobbying and advocacy. If the expense is $100 or more, it needs to be reported within 48 hours.
How do I know if my lobbying activity is indirect lobbying?
There have been lots of questions about the definition of indirect lobbying. It’s important to note that the law still operates within the traditional lobbying framework. Indirect lobbying must be reported by those who are captured by lobbying laws, but it does not include those who are already exempt from lobbyist registration. For an activity to be reportable as indirect lobbying, it must:
- Be conducted by someone receiving compensation for the purpose of influencing legislative or executive officials,
- Involve an expense beyond the lobbyist’s wages or travel, and
- Intend to influence or earn goodwill with a public official in his official capacity.
We encourage you to review the definition of “Lobbyist” in I.C. § 74-702(7) and the various exemptions outlined in I.C. § 74-704.
What are the requirements for reporting indirect lobbying?
Reporting obligations are outlined in I.C. § 74-705(4). Indirect lobbying expenses of $100 or more must be reported within 48 hours of the expenditure being made. The online filing system now has a 48-hour report option on the dashboard. Anything reported in a 48-hour report will automatically be captured in the lobbyist’s monthly report. 48-hour reports must include the transaction date, expenditure category, and the name of payee/vendor. If the expenditure qualifies as an itemized expenditure of $135 or more, the name of the legislator, executive official, or household member being influenced will also be included.
I work for a non-profit, company or organization that wishes to send legislative updates to members or employees. Is this considered indirect lobbying?
No. Lobbying does not include communications to members of an association, client, or employer per the exemptions outlined in I.C. § 74-704.
Are there any other notable changes with the updated law?
- Lobbying laws have moved out of campaign finance and into Title 74, Chapter 7, under Transparent and Ethical Government.
- Public communications that are reportable as lobbying expenditures must include a “paid for by” disclaimer.
- We are making improvements to the online system, including:
- A 48-hour report option on the lobbyist dashboard
- A “quick file” option for months with no activity
- An updated 2025 filing calendar that includes monthly reports
Do I need to add a “paid for” disclaimer on materials or media that constitute lobbying?
To ensure proper reporting and identification of the source of expenditures, any public communication made that is reportable as a lobbying expense under this chapter shall clearly state “Paid for by [the name of the filing entity, lobbyist’s client, or lobbyist’s employer]” per I.C. § 74-708(3).
Why did lobbyist laws change?
Many of the provisions of the Sunshine Law haven’t changed since 1974, and it was time for an update to better reflect modern-day lobbying. Over the past few sessions, we’ve seen both an increase in lobbying expenditures and a shift in tactics. So far in 2025, each of the top five reporting lobbying employers has spent more than $100,000. The Legislature saw a need for more frequent and comprehensive reporting. Transparency is a shared goal, and we’re committed to making the reporting process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Who can I contact for questions and more information?
Secretary of State staff are available for comments, questions, or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 208-334-2852 or at
[email protected].
