"An Act amending the definition of the term 'lobbyist' in the Regulation of Lobbying Act; and providing for an effective date. "

HCS HB 45 deals with limits on campaign contributions, lobbyists, disclosures, and tightens disclosure requirements for and to legislators.

It requires groups to report their officers and directors, the aggregate amount of all contributions made to the group, and for contributions in excess of $100 in aggregate per year, and the name, address, occupation, and employer of contributors who donate over $100 per year. Each group must also report to APOC all expenses and contributions.

HB 45 reduces from $1,000 to $500 the amount an individual is allowed to make to a candidate or non-political party group, and reduces from $10,000 to $5,000 an individual can contribute annually to a political party.

The bill also reduces from $2,000 to $1,000 the annual contribution a non-political party group may make to a candidate, group, political party and non-group entity.

HB 45 changes the definition of lobbyist, by reducing from 40 to 10, the number of hours in a 30-day period a person may lobby before they must register as a lobbyist.

The bill will reduce from $5,000 to $1,000 the amount of income legislators, ethics committee public members, and legislative directors can receive as compensation for personal services outside of their position with the legislature without being required to disclose details about the transaction in a report to APOC.

CS HB 45 is substantially similar to an initiative on the August 2006 primary ballot. There are minor differences in this bill and the initiative such as section 4, and a change in the effective date. Passage of this bill would remove the initiative from the primary ballet.

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