FINAL ADVISORY OPINION 2000-01: Whether lobbyists' contributions to the Host Committee of the Annual Meeting for the National Conference of State Legislators are reportable?
Indiana Lobby Registration Commission
(Ratification vote taken at public meeting of May 23, 2000)
Questions and written comments may be directed to Indiana Lobby Registration Commission, 10 W Market St, Ste 1760, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 232-9860
Contributions made to the NCSL Host Committee are not lobbying expenditures because they are not being made with the intention of influencing legislative action in Indiana. However, should specific facts arise which support a finding that contributions were made with the intention of influencing legislative action, then a reporting duty is triggered.
To remain as non-reportable to the Lobby Commission, funds contributed to the NCSL Host Committee must be used for the Annual Meeting only. Funds contributed by a registered lobbyist to the NCSL Annual Meeting which are designated to be used for the direct benefit of any Indiana legislator are considered to be reportable lobbying expenditures. Likewise, sponsorship of events during the NCSL Annual Meeting, such as "Indiana Night," creates a reporting obligation for the registered lobbyist.
