The bill revises existing laws related to lobbying by increasing the payment threshold for lobbyists from $2,150 to $3,000, effective for the calendar year 2025. It also establishes a new process for adjusting this threshold for inflation, which will occur every even-numbered year based on the consumer price index. The inflation factor will be calculated by comparing the consumer price index for June of the current even-numbered year to that of the previous year, with the adjusted amount rounded to the nearest $50 increment.

Additionally, the bill mandates that principals must file electronic reports detailing payments made for lobbying purposes, specifically when those payments exceed the newly established threshold. The reporting requirements include specific deadlines and categories for itemizing expenses related to lobbying activities. The bill amends sections 5-7-112 and 5-7-208 of the Montana Code Annotated to incorporate these changes, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in lobbying practices.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 5-7-112
HB0804_1(1): 5-7-112
HB0804_1(2): 5-7-112
HB0804_1(3): 5-7-112
HB0804_1(4): 5-7-112
HB0804_1(5): 5-7-112
HB0804_1(6): 5-7-112
HB0804_1(7): 5-7-112
HB0804_1(8): 5-7-112
HB0804_1(9): 5-7-112
HB0804_1: 5-7-112
HB0804_2(1): 5-7-112
HB0804_2(2): 5-7-112
HB0804_2(3): 5-7-112
HB0804_2(4): 5-7-112
HB0804_2: 5-7-112
HB0804_X(1): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(10): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(11): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(2): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(3): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(4): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(5): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(6): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(7): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(8): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X(9): 5-7-112, 5-7-208
HB0804_X: 5-7-112, 5-7-208