HOW STATES IN THE U.S.A. DEFINE LOBBYING AND LOBBYIST?

It may come as a surprise to some but there are more than 50 versions of lobbying laws in states and territories of the United States of America. All U.S. states share a basic definition of lobbying as an attempt to influence government action. Written and oral communications are both recognized as lobbying.  Three states (Delaware, Kansas and Texas) include in their definitions of lobbying providing entertatinment, gifts, recreational events, food and beverages to legislators. The remaining states regulate the disclosure of and the amount spent on such activities.

The definition of who is a lobbyist usually revolves around compensation. Most states define a lobbyist as someone who receives any amount of compensation or reimbursement to lobby. Among the exceptions are Hawaii, Minnesota and New York. These states stipulate threshold amounts of money and time spent on lobbying, and, if these thresholds are reached, an individual becomes a lobbyist.

All states recognize certain exceptions for activities that might otherwise be construed as 'lobbying'. These activities include testifying at committee hearings, meetings, writing letters and casual conversations.

In some states, interagency communications between state employees are outside the statutory definition of lobbyist. At least 14 states specify that members of the press are not lobbyists.