Jackson Jambalaya

 Secretary of State Michael Watson issued the following statement. 

In response to inaccurate statements circulating on social media regarding lobbyist registration, it is imperative Mississippians are provided with accurate information.

Miss. Code Ann. Section 5-8-3 defines a “Lobbyist” as:

(i) An individual who is employed and receives payments, or who contracts for economic consideration, including reimbursement for reasonable travel and living expenses, for the purpose of lobbying;

(ii) An individual who represents a legislative or public official or public employee, or who represents a person, organization, association or other group, for the purpose of lobbying;

(iii) A sole proprietor, owner, part owner or shareholder in a business who has a pecuniary interest in legislative or executive action, who engages in lobbying activities; or

(iv) Any individual described in subparagraphs (i), (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (l) who is employed by or has contracted with any agency, legislative or public official or public employee, or any other public entity for the purpose of providing any type of consulting or other similar service but also engages in any type of lobbying activities. Such individual shall not qualify for any exemption under Section 5-8-7.

Miss. Code Ann. Section 5-8-7 does provide exceptions to those who must register as a lobbyist, but there are no uniform exceptions for someone who gives or promises less than $200.00 or more to public officials. Each exemption is nuanced and deals with factual scenarios. 

Undoubtedly, lobbyists are not limited to those who receive compensation and give or promise $200.00 or more to public officials, as externally stated. Only two definitions of lobbyist used in Miss. Code Ann. Section 5-8-3 reference employment or payment and each exemption requires specific application of fact.

If you have questions about your responsibilities under Mississippi’s lobbying laws, please reach out to our office to get trusted sources of information. If you have questions, please contact Debra Monroe at 601-359-9412 or email lobbying@sos.ms.gov.