(a) The secretary shall maintain an online register of lobbyists. The online register shall be in a format, and shall contain such information as the secretary may direct, and shall be maintained as a public document.
(b) Every lobbyist shall cause the following information to be entered into the online register within seven (7) calendar days of any lobbying engagement and shall also register the termination of such engagement.
(1) Name and address of the lobbyist(s);
(2) The legislation by bill number or by the subject matter(s) of the lobbying;
(3) The executive branch officials or public bodies to be lobbied;
(4) Compensation, except for those lobbyists employed by a lobbying firm;
(5) Any other information required by the secretary.
(c) No lobbyist shall be permitted to register if the lobbyist is not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, for all prior engagements.
(d) Subject to the seven-day (7) grace period in subsection (b), no person shall engage in any lobbying unless and until that person is registered as provided herein.
(e) Governmental lobbyists, as defined in § 42-139.1-3, shall be exempt from the requirements of subsections (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), and (b)(5).
(f) The secretary shall issue an identification badge to every person who registers as a lobbyist, in a form prescribed by the secretary. Every lobbyist shall conspicuously display this badge while engaged in any lobbying activity in a state government building. The badge shall include the word "lobbyist" in bold print as well as the name of the lobbyist and a lobbyist registration number issued by the secretary.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 62, § 3; P.L. 2016, ch. 69, § 3.