Lobbyist Loophole Closure Act
Summary
The Lobbyist Loophole Closure Act aims to amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. It seeks to broaden the scope of individuals and activities subject to lobbying regulations. This includes expanding the definition of lobbying activities to encompass strategic counseling and reducing the percentage exemption for determining lobbying contact thresholds.
Expected Effects
The act will likely increase transparency in lobbying activities by capturing a wider range of individuals and services. This could lead to more comprehensive reporting of lobbying efforts and potentially influence policy decisions. It tightens regulations around lobbying activities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in lobbying activities.
- More comprehensive reporting of lobbying efforts.
- Potentially fairer playing field in policy debates.
- Greater accountability for individuals influencing policy.
- Reduced potential for hidden influence in government.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased compliance burden for individuals and organizations.
- Potential chilling effect on legitimate advocacy and consulting.
- Possible legal challenges regarding the scope of lobbying activities.
- Risk of overregulation and bureaucratic complexity.
- Potential for unintended consequences affecting free speech and petitioning rights.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Lobbyist Loophole Closure Act implicates the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and the right to petition the government. While the act aims to regulate lobbying, it must do so without unduly infringing on these fundamental rights. The constitutionality of the act will depend on whether it is narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest, such as promoting transparency and preventing corruption, and whether it leaves open ample alternative channels for communication.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).