AGO Opinion Topics: LOBBYING

Definition of "lobbying" by a state court judge under §§ 16 and 19 on Initiative 276; registration and reporting requirements

The members of a citizens advisory committee will only be required to register and report as lobbyists under Initiative No. 276 if (1) their activities are such as to constitute "lobbying" as defined in RCW 42.17.020(16), and (2) they are compensated in connection with those activities in a manner other than as employees of the legislature.

It is not illegal for the executive secretary of the Washington State Association of County Commissioners to act as a lobbyist during legislative sessions, notwithstanding the fact that his salary is paid from public funds.