Philadelphia has a new Lobbying Code, Chapter 20-1200 of the Philadelphia Code, and the Board of Ethics has adopted a lobbying regulation, Regulation No. 9. The new lobbying code requires that those who attempt to influence legislative or administrative actions of City government may be required to register as lobbyists or principals and to file reports of their lobbying expenses.  The Code and Regulation therefore contain detailed information on who must register to lobby and what reports are required.  Additional information is available in Frequently Asked Questions on lobbying.  Interested parties are strongly encouraged to review the FAQs and Regulation No. 9, and then to ask the Board of Ethics any questions.

Until the online registration and reporting system is completed, the Board of Ethics has provided Interim Paper Registration and Expense Report Forms and Instructions for lobbyists, lobbying firms, and principals. The forms are “fill-in” forms, so you may “type” information onto the forms before you print them and you may save a copy of each form for your records. Remember that registration is not complete until a form is printed, signed and mailed or delivered to the Board of Ethics with the registration fee. An Expense Report is not filed until it is printed, signed and mailed or delivered to the Board of Ethics.

Click here to view lists of Lobbying Registrations and 2012 Fourth Quarter Expense Reports.

For 2012 First, Second and Third Quarter Expense Reports, please contact the Board of Ethics at 215-686-9450.

The Board of Ethics issued an informational Advisory Alert about lobbying registration and reporting requirements on April 23rd.