34.2 Definitions
The following definition of lobbyist should be consulted to determine whether you are considered a lobbyist or lobbyist's client under the law.
- A lobbyist:
- is an individual who receives compensation for the purpose of acting directly to affect legislation or a rule;
- is a designated representative of an organization which has as its purpose affecting legislation or a rule;
- represents a government entity for which the person serves or is employed as designated representative for the purpose of affecting legislation or a rule; or
- lobbies for himself or herself and expends more than $1,000 per calendar year.
- The following individuals are not lobbyists under the law:
- political party officials;
- news media;
- elected government officials while performing the duties of office;
- persons who give testimony or provide information to the General Assembly, at public hearings of state agencies or who provide information or assistance at the request of public officials or employees (Note: this excludes most faculty, staff, and administrators from the definition of a lobbyist);
- agency officials and employees while engaged in activities within the agency they serve or with another agency one's agency collaborates with on projects;
- staff of the United States Congress or the Iowa General Assembly;
- persons who are members of organizations who are not paid compensation or not designated by the organization as a lobbyist; and
- persons who submit data, views, and arguments in a presentation to the administrative rules committee.
- A client: a private person or a state, federal, or local government entity that pays compensation to or designates an individual to be a lobbyist.