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Lobbying

Are you planning to lobby in the 2019 legislative session?

If so, first review and know all the information on this 2019 Lobbyist Guide, which includes information on how to register, details on required financial reports, and more. Also check out our Lobbying FAQs!

Registering and filing financial reports

- Report if you're a Lobbyist or Principal
- Reporting Calendars
- Forms for Lobbyists and Principals

Laws, rules, and complaint information

- Lobbying Laws (MCA)
- Lobbying Administrative Rules (ARM)
- Docket of Formal Complaints
- Complaint Procedure
- Decisions
- Advisory Opinions

Lobbyist and Principal Forms

These forms can be submitted through the below fillable PDF links and work best in the Internet Explorer browser. These forms can also be printed off and mailed to the COPP office at P.O. BOX 202401, Helena, MT 59620-2401.
Form L-1, Lobbyist License Application
Form L-2, Principal Authorization Statement
Form L-3, Principal Registration Application
Form L-5, Lobbying Financial Report
Lobbyist License Fee Waiver Request

Lobbying Report Due Dates

2018 Non-Session Year
 - Feb. 15, 2019 - Non-Session Year End Report - (Report must cover Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2018) 

2019 Legislative Year 
- Feb. 15, 2019: Mandatory L-5 report covering January
- March 15, 2019: L-5 report covering February that is required if you spent $5,000 or more in February
- April 15, 2019: L-5 report covering March that is required if you spent $5,000 or more in March
- End of session report: Mandatory L-5 report due 30 days after the session adjourns

Information for the Public: Engage with Lobbying in Montana

Did you know you can see who is registered as a Montana lobbyist and how money is spent to influence Montana legislators? Click here to search.

Want to learn more about lobbying in Montana? Check out this Lobbying Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


 


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Lobbying Threshold Proposal Notice: Public Comment Period

The Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP) has propsed to amend the threshold amount that a lobbyist can earn to be required to register as a lobbyist. The COPP proposes the amount increase from the 2017 amount of $2,550 to $2,600 for 2019.

Public comment is open; If persons who are directly affected by the proposed action wish to express their data, views, or arguments orally or in writing at a public hearing, they must make written request for a hearing and submit this request along with any written comments to Scott Cook  no later than 5:00 p.m., December 11, 2018.

Public comments can be submitted to Scott Cook through December 14, 2018 until 5:00 p.m.

More information is available at this link. Scott Cook can be reached via mail (P.O. Box 202401, 1209 Eighth Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59620-2401), called at (406) 444-2942, via fax at (406) 444-1643, or via or e-mail at scook3@mt.gov.