Mike Toomey Texas Lobbyist
What is a lobbyist?
In the state of Texas, lobbying is defined as “direct communications” with members of the legislative or executive branch of state government to influence legislation or administrative action.” See Gov’t Code §§ 305.001, 305.003(a).
Direct communication includes virtually any kind of modern communication method that is directly between a citizen and a member of the legislative or executive branch of government. This includes email, phone conversations, telegraphs, letters, etc. Direct communication does NOT include newsletters or publications.
Why lobbying in Texas is lawful and necessary.
Lobbyists and lobbying have received a fair amount of bad press recently. Many people think lobbying should not be allowed. However, the act of lobbying – both privately and professionally – are not only constitutionally permitted, they are an inevitable reality of democratic governments. Our entire government is based on the idea that private citizens have a voice. And a voice includes good faith efforts within the law and abiding by all regulations to make sure that your voice is heard and your interests are addressed.
The Texas State Legal Code for lobbyists.
In the state of Texas, there is a very extensive legal code by which all professional lobbyists must abide. A “lobbyist,” for the purposes of official registration, is defined as anyone who receives more than $1000 as a fee for lobbying services in a calendar quarter. Those lobbyists are then tracked and their activities, clients, AND COMPENSATION are a matter of public record.
It is the position of the Texas Lobby Group that all lobbyists in Texas should indeed duly register and submit themselves to the rules and regulations that apply. Within the confines of Texas law, the Texas Lobby group serves our clients to the best of our ability.
Texas Lobbyists Registration Fees
The registration fee for a lobbyist in Texas is $75. You must file your registration within 5 days of the communication with your client or employer that requires you to register. All registrations for lobbyists in Texas expire at the end of the year, regardless of when they were filed.
Texas lobbying registration requires a lobbyist to report compensation and reimbursement that you or your employer receives for services as a lobbyist. The income may be reported as “received, earned, or prospective.” Ongoing lobbying reports by registered Texas lobbyists must then be filed monthly unless you will make less than $1000 for the entire year, in which case you may file annually.
Mike Toomey and the Texas Lobby Group
The Texas Lobby Group and Mike Toomey are duly registered lobbyists in the state of Texas. We provide government relations consulting and active lobbying for our clients. Contact the Texas Lobby Group at our website.